THE Vale council has pledged to investigate after a Barry resident raised concerns about social distancing rules being flouted at a Barry allotment.

The resident told the Barry & District News about the matter after observing people at the Beggerwell allotments, in the Severn Avenue, Cwm Talwg area of the town, while the country is in lockdown.

Most allotment plots cover 250 square yards.

A plot can be used to grow vegetables or flowers and even to keep hens (but not cockerels) and other limited livestock.

The resident said: “It was my late father’s birthday on April 1 and I went to the cemetery to find it locked and closed because of virus.

“I haven’t got a problem with this and I fully understand as I’m a health care worker.

“All places non-essential are closed such as dentists, and clinics.

“I was very distressed and phoned council last week to tell them, but no-one has contacted me.

“I’ve witnessed families, children, over 70s, over there on a daily basis.

“It’s not fair.

“Businesses are shut.

“Digging and tending to an allotment is not essential and I am especially cross that the cemetery is as it’s a larger area and that would mean social distancing greater than over that small allotment area.”

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “Allotments in the Vale of Glamorgan have been kept open as many of the crops grown would fail if left unattended, but the council has stressed that safety guidance must be followed and signs are on display advising users to take precautions.

“These include storing hand sanitiser in the shed and using it before and after locking gates.

“Allotment users should also observe two to three metre social distancing, not shake hands or share tools and all communal facilities should be closed.

“Officers will investigate this matter and remind users to observe these instructions.”