Children's allotment ban row in Wem still growing
Nursery children banned from allotments in Shropshire over health and safety fears are being 'denied an enjoyable learning experience', Government officials have claimed.
The Health and Safety Executive said there is 'nothing' in law to stop children as young as three from going on educational visits to the allotments in Wem. The Government agency polices health and safety rules.
It referred the case of Stables Day Care Nursery to its 'Myth Busters Challenge Panel' after Wem Town Council's decision to ban the youngsters.
Rosi Edwards, Midlands regional director for the HSE, said: "Reasons of 'health and safety' have apparently been used by the council in taking a decision to stop children visiting an allotment in Wem.
"However, I just want to make clear that there is nothing in health and safety law which would prevent them doing so.
"There is some indication the measures taken to safeguard the children present an inconvenience to others, so it would be better if this matter could be resolved by trying to find a solution which is acceptable to all parties rather than denying children an enjoyable learning experience."
The council backed a ban in June and said other allotment users complained that a fence at the site made access difficult.
Nursery boss Beccy Ahmad said today: "It amazes me that Wem Town Council have not reacted to the advice and overturned their decision."
Councillor Peter Broomhall, mayor of Wem, said he did not believe the HSE had visited the allotment before making its statement. He added: "We are still trying to resolve things, and we are not against the children learning about growing food.
"We're looking at other locations where the children can go. It's a tenancy issue more than a health and safety issue."
Nearly 150 people have signed a petition supporting the nursery.
