Westport gardeners are protesting background checks for those who plant at a community garden.

Town officials say the checks are necessary because the park is located 400 feet away from Long Lots Elementary School on Hyde Lane. Director of Parks and Recreation Stuart McCarthy says the town must be sure those gardening during school hours are the kind of people it wants around the community?s children.

Many gardeners say they are being singled out and treated unfairly. Allan Bomes of the Community Garden Club says the town is going too far in requiring background checks.

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