ALLOTMENT holders in Otley are celebrating their site being declared contamination-free following a nervous five-month wait.

A preliminary report following soil tests at Whitebridge allotments last year suggested the land could contain unsafe levels of asbestos, lead and dibenzo anthracene.

Wary of the potential health risks, Otley Town Council – which manages the riverside site – has been advising plot-holders since November to not to eat any of their produce.

That advice, however, has now been lifted after further testing gave the site the 'all clear' for normal horticultural activities to resume.

The new report, from consultants LQM, was received by the town council last week, and concluded that planting and growing could resume.

The consultants did note that some suspected asbestos sheeting – believed to be from former sheds – had been found, though, and the council is to ensure it is cleared from the site.

Council chairman, Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield), said: "I know this welcome news will come as a great relief to the allotment holders, as it does to the town council.

"The technical consultants have provided sound advice on good housekeeping on allotments and the management of asbestos, and we will adopt this across all our plots.

"The council took its responsibilities very seriously and I'm very grateful to the Whitebridge allotment holders for their patience and support as we worked to resolve the concerns.

"I hope they enjoy the spring planting season!"

Plot-holders at Whitebridge have all been sent a copy of the report, which contains tips on how to use the land safely and maintain it.

Among those celebrating is Cllr Mick Bradley (Green, Danefield) and his wife who, like their fellow allotment holders, had to leave their winter vegetables in the ground during Christmas.

He said: "I am pleased to finally receive such a comprehensive report, which tells us that the land is safe to grow on and gives us the go-ahead to get planting for this year.

"The detailed advice given in the summary is especially useful. Let's get growing!"

The preliminary report that sparked the concerns last year had concluded the soil's condition "may present an unacceptable risk to users of the site, in terms of human health”.

Whitebridge allotments are based beside the former Garnet Paper Mill site, near Gallows Hill Nature Reserve.

Before the 2015 report, the land there had been worked, without incident, for decades.