Bonfires on Allotments

Date: 14th April, 2020


Coronavirus Guidelines for Bonfires on Allotments.

Following the latest updates (09 April 2020) regarding the Coronavirus situation, Andover Town Council in conjunction with Test Valley Borough Council, now recommends that all allotment bonfires should be AVOIDED.

We all now know that the coronavirus is a respiratory disease. During the coronavirus pandemic, more people than normal are at home, working, caring for their family and/or self-isolating. Your neighbour(s) may be suffering breathing difficulties due to the virus. People with underlying health conditions have been strongly advised to self-isolate in their homes for 12 weeks. They need to go into their gardens for fresh air and they need to be able to open their windows for ventilation; they have nowhere else to go. Breathing could be worsened due to bonfire smoke inhalation and put a further burden on the NHS.

Therefore, during these difficult times, we would particularly ask all allotment holders to cooperate in protecting everyone’s health by NOT lighting bonfires during the Government’s lockdown period.

At present the Council’s waste collection services are being undertaken as normal but you are probably aware that Hampshire’s household waste recycling centres have closed.

What are the practical alternatives to having a bonfire?
Alternative options available for the disposal of garden (and other) waste in this area are:
• Garden Waste Collection Service - Test Valley Borough Council operates a garden waste collection service. For further details and charges, please contact us on 01264 368000;
• Home Composting -
• Use grass cuttings as mulch in your plant beds;
• Cut up and compact your garden cuttings and clippings as much as possible to reduce volume and store until you can get out to the HWRC;
• Postpone some of your gardening tasks until the coronavirus crisis is over;
• Cut down cardboard boxes and other recyclable products so more can be placed in the recycling bin

Thank you for your continued cooperation in these uncertain times.