The decision comes after elevated amounts of arsenic, chromium and cadmium were found in the soil at the Lake Terrace site in Melton Mowbray.

Allotment owners had been demanding to be allowed back onto their plots.

But Melton Borough Council says it wants to wait until new test results are known.

It will take a couple of months before we even get anywhere near a report back from the scientists Councillor Tom Netherton

The most recent report into the level of contaminants in the soil found the levels of arsenic were not high enough to be dangerous to humans.

But scientists are still concerned about the results of two soil samples and want to carry out further tests.

The results from these will not be known until the summer.

Melton Borough Council is closing the allotments until more is known and drains are cleared out.

The allotments are in the ward of Councillor Tom Netherton who felt it was best to play safe.

He said: "It will take a couple of months before we even get anywhere near a report back from the scientists.

"That takes us to March, which is the growing season and stuff should have been put in the ground and growing.

"So we are advising the tenants to write off this entire year."

The council is investigating the history of the site and in the meantime has offered allotment holders alternative plots.