Teddington's last remaining allotments close today (Wednesday, 30 September).

Despite opposition from campaigners and residents, Richmond Council will close Shacklegate Allotments, which have been around for 100 years, on Wednesday to make more room for burial space at Teddington Cemetary.

The council rejected calls from locals back in March to rethink its plans despite various opposition campaigns.

A sign by the authority on a post in the allotments reads: "Access to the site will be closed after this date [Wednesday].

"These ensure that all personal belongings, equipment, structures and other valuable items have been removed before the site closes.

"30 September 2026: Sections of fencing on the eastern side of the allotments will be removed, opening the site of the wider cemetery area.

"1 October 2026: Site clearance and preparation for construction works begin.

"Spring 2027: Construction of the Teddington cemetery expansion is finalised.

"We are creating opportunities for:

• Community growing spaces
• Biodiversity projects
• Outdoor learning
• Volunteering opportunities

"If you'd like to help plan, shape and deliver these activities, please get in touch with us by emailling [email protected]."

However, someone vandalised the sign, writing "Allotments have done this for 100 years" next to the council's statement about creating opportunities.

In response, to the vandalising, local campaign group, Save Teddington Allotments, said: "Well done to whoever left this note on the official notice from Richmond Council. Says what we are all thinking…"

A Richmond Council spokesperson told Nub News: "We know people feel strongly about Shacklegate Lane allotments and understand the upset. Allotments are valued community spaces, and this has not been an easy decision.

"The land at Shacklegate Lane was originally designated for cemetery use in the 19th century. The planned works will provide more than 700 new burial spaces, securing burial provision in Teddington for around the next 30 years.

"Our teams have been working with tenants to help them find suitable alternative plots at other sites wherever possible, in line with National Allotment Society guidance.

"It is worth noting that Richmond upon Thames continues to provide significantly more allotment space than the London average, with 12.3 plots per 1,000 residents compared with an average of 5 per 1,000.

"We want the cemetery to remain a green, welcoming and accessible place for residents.

"As part of the works, we will reintroduce community growing space in the reclaimed area through removable wooden planter boxes, alongside plans to improve biodiversity, create volunteering opportunities and develop accessible community gardening projects."