"Final" decision on Bassetsbury Lane allotment due in the Autumn (From This Is Local London)

"Final" decision on Bassetsbury Lane allotment due in the Autumn

9:06am Wednesday 29th July 2009 in Where I Live By Lawrence Dunhill

THE COUNCIL expect a decision on the future of Bassetsbury Lane allotment to be made in the Autumn.

A "third and final" soil test will be carried out, after experts hired by the allotment gardeners declared the soil to be safe.

The council have also told gardeners they currently have no housing proposals for the site.

Earlier this year benzopyrene and copper were found on the site. The allotments were immediately closed while a second survey was undertaken.

This found that samples from three parts of the site showed values for copper, nickel and lead higher than the permitted threshold values for land that is used for plant production.

It has been estimated it would cost £90,000 to clear up the soil if it is judged to be contaminated, as it would have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.

Councillor Katrina Wood, Wycombe District Council's Cabinet Member for Younger and Older People, said: "I sympathise with the allotment holders' frustration following the closure of this site. The decision to close this site was not taken lightly."