Items Left By Last Plot Holder

[zeezeezed]

Just before Christmas I took over the plot next to me over on the allotment.

A 14yr old lad had it, never really done anything with it and lost interest after his folks spent out a fortune. His parents were not interested or helped either.

Anyway ..... his stuff is still on it. His shiney new tools, water butt IBC, hoses etc

I have contacted the parish council about it and they asked me if it was ok to give the lad my details to arrange collection - they wouldnt give me his without his consent.

That was now 2 weeks ago and Ive heard nothing at all from the lad.

My question is, where do I stand legally with it? Can I get rid of it? Keep it?

[Poddington Pea]

Keep it! Before they gave you the plot, he would have been contacted to remove his possesions. What's left is yours. However, if he did turn up it would be polite to give them back, if he comes back you've delayed having to buy your own, if he doesn't, you have free tools!

[Glutton4...]

If he's a 'young lad' he was probably given the tools by family and friends. So, to him, they probably have no monetary value. However, I'm sure if he thought you would be happy to pay for them, he'd be there like a shot!

I suspect the message hasn't got through, so I'd ask around, and see if I could find out who he is. I'd also contact the Council again to try and get his details. I don't know where, on their list of priorities, your message stands...

[frantic furball]

We had lot of things left in the shed by the previous tenant too. We informed the site manager and kept them - he has never come back for them or been in touch with the site. Not a lot else you can do you have tried to contact the previous tenant and there is no point in letting tools go to waste.

[zeezeezed]

Hmmm Ill ask around when a few more people start getting up to their plots. Its a small village here so someone must know him.

Yes, Id use the tools myself but I got mine when I had my first plot - from my dad who was been gardening for almost 70yrs! - and then was lucky enough to get a few bits from Father Christmas

There are many new plot holders up there who would be grateful for some of the bits if I cant get hold of him, but knowing my luck he will show up the day after I gave them away

[Jeanied]

Better play it safe - you never know, there could be many reasons why he has not been in touch. I'd use the stuff you need to use but never assume you will always get to keep it.

[Two_Sheds]

Myself, I would leave them for a couple of months in case he suddenly remembers them. Use them, but be prepared to give them up.

We had a situation recently where the tenant hadn't been up there for 6 months, then suddenly decided she wanted her galvanised burner back - someone else had helped themselves to it in the meantime

When I lived in shared housing, we had a tenant who did a bunk, leaving ALL his belongings behind, clothes, Cds, everything. We took legal advice and had to store it all for 6 months I think, or it might have been a year. He never did come back

[jackie j]

If a plot holder informs that they are giving up they have xxxx amount of days ( 14 ) to take any rubbish or tools, sheds greenhouses etc off the plot, after that time its upto you what you do. I would keep them and like others have said try and find out where he lives.
I took on a plot last february and the shed was still on it, I asked the site manager to pass my phone number to the previous tennant as I would like to buy the shed. He did this and the lady phoned me and we agreed a price and met at the plot. She had given up in the October and had heard nothing from the manager. As it was the end of the year plots are not let untill all rents have been paid and people have notified of giving up. Its January before plots are relet here.

[zeezeezed]

Well luckily I bumped into the woman today who issues the allotments. She was over on the site looking around as there has been alot of new plot holders recently and there had been a couple of problems with people starting work on the wrong plots

I told her that the lad still hadnt been to collect his belongings - she said that she had writen and emailed him, but she would try and call his mother tomorrow and get an answer about his stuff ~ even to suggest that he could advertise it on our sites noticeboard if he didnt want it. Fingers crossed!

Allotments here are let in September, so he has had plenty of opportunity to collect it - I think its more of a case that he has lost interest and forgotten about it

[Snadger]

The plot must have been in his parents name methinks as no one under 18 is allowed a plot on our site, at least.
We also insist on address and contact number.

As others have said I would just use the stuff but be prepared to buy your own if he does turn up in the near future.