This is a message from Harrow in Leaf.
Dear Harrow in LEAF Member,
We have been contacted by Harrow Council’s Dave Corby, Head of Service Community Engagement in order to send you the following information on the current position with regard to allotments in Harrow:
“As we have read and seen, people continue to use facilities in the parks in contravention of the Council closure order – areas such as tennis courts will all be chained and padlocked where practical. Outdoor gym equipment seems to be especially problematic – the hazard tape is no deterrent to the foolish and the selfish.
Several people have asked if they can still work on allotments. Allotments as far as we know are remaining open – like everything else it could change – they are still considered good exercise. Remember though, exercise is restricted to 1 hour per day, which includes traveling to the site and also bear in mind that unnecessary journeys should be curtailed. It is essential people keep up to date and follow government guidance.
Please also remember research (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973?q) that suggests that the virus can remain viable on solid surfaces e.g. water taps for many hours, perhaps days, and this risk of infection, plus other risk of transmission, means we must resist the temptation to cheat.
The Ground Maintenance Teams have already been stood down, prior to being redeployed elsewhere in the organisation, so there will be no work on allotment sites, such as turning water back on after the winter.
From a personal perspective, I 100% respect and understand plot holders enthusiasm and desire to tend and nurture their plots, but at this point in time you may consider just undertaking essential maintenance. The Council maybe instructed to close allotments as the restrictions the Government are imposing on people will change as the pandemic develops. We will update you with any changes as soon as we can..
The Community engagement Team has been redeployed to supervise the food distribution centre and assess cases for the hardship fund.
Finally if you have any questions or comments for the Council (sensible ones only please), during this crisis please pass through Trevor Steeples, Chair of Harrow in LEAF – [email protected].
Please remember that all recommended precautions should be taken and that social distancing applies on your sites.
Click Here ===> for are some relevant Covid-19 information from The National Allotment Society
Please spread the word and stay safe,
Best wishes from the Harrow in LEAF Management Committee,
We make LEAF happen!