Wellbeing at centre of decision to reopen garden centres

People’s health and wellbeing are at the centre of the decision to open garden centres in Wales, the Welsh Government has said.

The opening of garden centres is one of the devolved administration’s minor changes to the coronavirus lockdown, announced on Friday, May 8.

The decision has received criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who have called the government’s change in policy on exercise and garden centres inconsistent and incoherent.

Many people have also taken to social media to ask why they are able to visit a garden centre but not go for a walk with a member of their family providing they are obeying social distancing rules.

Asked to explain at the government’s daily press briefing why garden centres are now open, Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said their ability to introduce social distancing was a major consideration.

Mr Gething told Caerphilly Observer: “Garden centres help people in activities they are able to undertake in their own home.

“We are concerned about people’s health and wellbeing in all of its senses during lockdown.

“This is an area where we know people aren’t just interested in gardening, but it also has an ability to help them in their own home.”

Mr Gething added that garden centres will be expected to ensure social distancing is adhered to in the same way supermarkets have.

He also confirmed that the Welsh Government has not lifted restriction on the use of golf courses.

Courses are now allowed to open again in England, although Wales Golf have advised clubs they may be able to reopen from Monday, May 18.