Gardeners ‘must register for plots’ at village allotments

PEOPLE are assuming they can take over vacant allotment plots in Gainford, say parish councillors who claim some people are “in effect squatting” .
A reminder has been put out by Gainford and Langton Parish Council that there is a waiting list at the allotments behind St Peter’s.
Parish clerk Martin Clark said because of issues caused by the coronavirus crisis, rent on 16 plots were outstanding.
He said: “I do not know if they are vacant.”
Mr Clark added: “People may have just assumed they can take over a vacant plot – but we have a list.”
Parish chairwoman Cllr Lisa Johnstone added that the waiting list had to be used.
Cllr Sarah Hannan replied: “People are in effect squatting.”