Recently the usual signs had been updated asking for extra consideration for neighbours as people in surrounding properties are spending more time at home and in their gardens, due to the Covid-19 lockdown. In addition, they could be suffering respiratory symptoms due to the virus. The council received a number of complaints from residents on this issue.

Some signs were removed at Hightown Road, and Ringwood Town Council received a further report of a bonfire. A letter was sent to an individual allotment holder, but this was ineffective.

Previously the council was unable to take enforcement action, but the recent meeting of the recreation, leisure and open spaces committee – by Zoom – resolved to amend the rules, prohibiting bonfires from 1 May to 30 September at the Hightown Road and Southampton Road allotment sites. This ban will be permanent.

If these rules are breached the town clerk would have discretion in terms of enforcement and an allotment holder would be at risk of being served with a Notice to Quit the allotment tenancy.