Not that compost

The photo of allotments which accompanies your article about the possibility of shop- bought bags of compost harbouring bacteria (2 October) is misleading.

Allotment plot-holders make minimal use of commercial bagged compost such as the research suggests may be contaminated with legionella ­longbeachae bacteria. We garden outside, working the soil, and rejoice in enriching it with compost made on our own compost heaps. Nonetheless, normal, sensible hygienic practices are recommended at all times.

Jenny Mollison

Inveresk Village

East Lothian