When to chase up re allotment request

[amandaandherveg]

I found out recently that there are some allotments available nearish me (I'm guessing they are new sites). Previously my closest plots were 15ish miles away with a closed list.

It requested that you emailed them which I did on Sunday (when I found out about them). Would it be appropriate to call them tomorrow as I've not heard - ie, would you consider that pro-active or just plain pushy.

[teakdesk]

Politely email a request for an acknowledgement that your email has been received.

If using outlook click the "read acknowledgement" and "delivery acknowledgement" request boxes as well.

Repeat the polite request every two days!!!

[amandaandherveg]

I received and automated receipt from them when I sent it so I know it was sent successfully. It's the Housing Department that's dealing with the requests.

[teakdesk]

Well that's better than me!!!!

After a week I sent another email.

After two weeks I sent three.

After three weeks I sent 20 every day.

After 4 weeks I emailed the council and got another email address.

After 5 weeks I sent 20 per day.

After 6 weeks I complained to the council who spoke to the person and I got a reply.

After 12 weeks I got loads of acknowledgements from the first ones I had sent !!!!!!

[Snadger]

I don't think anyone will rule you out for being pushy. More likely to be impressed with your enthusiasm.
Why not ask what number you are on the waiting list and every month ask for an update?

[amandaandherveg]

I don't think anyone will rule you out for being pushy. More likely to be impressed with your enthusiasm.
Why not ask what number you are on the waiting list and every month ask for an update?

From what I can gather there are three sites with vacant plots - 2 with one plot free on each and one site with a total of 6 plots available, No waiting list it appears.

I'm off to phone, will report back.

[Flummery]

Good for you. A phone call never hurts!

[amandaandherveg]

Five departments later......... information on their website is incorrect - the allotments don't exist. How p****d off am I?

[teakdesk]

Eh !!!!! That makes my council look competent...... and I know that isn't the case

How can the website be so wrong ?

[weekendwellies]

Dont give up hope. Councils are required (I think by law) to provide allotments to anyone who wants one. Keep an eye out in your area for unused pieces of land that the council may own, and harass them about making them into allotments. See if anyone else in your area is interested too. Many voices shouting for space to grow things may give them more of a nudge. Also join your local residents association (maybe just find out when and where they meet if joining up is too much) and voice your opinions there too. Try speaking with your local councillor, he/she may be able to apply some pressure. Good luck, keep trying.

[NOG]

[QUOTE=weekendwellies;440477]Dont give up hope. Councils are required (I think by law) to provide allotments to anyone who wants one. QUOTE]

Councils are abliged to provide allotments if 6 people ask for them....then they have met the requlations. They do not have to provide allotments for everyone.

[weekendwellies]

I stand corrected Nog!
Therefore, the thing to do is get 5 more people who want allotments, yes?

[NOG]

I stand corrected Nog!
Therefore, the thing to do is get 5 more people who want allotments, yes?

Yep if you Parish or Borough do not have any if they have 10 allotments and 10 million on the waiting list they do not have to provide any more.