Neglected Plot - Advice Please

[VirginVegGrower]

The guy next to our plot has a half plot. It used to be a full plot until three months ago when half of it was given up to a new holder. For this I am grateful as she has taken a neglected plot and worked tirelessly on it. The other half of this once whole plot, is still neglected. It has been this way for the three years that we have been there. Two more before that, according to the other plot holders. This is a Parish Council owned site and despite complaints no action has been taken to take back this plot.
The weed seeds from his allotment cascade on our plot predominantly and that of my neighbour.
I thought PC allotments had to be 75% maintained according to allotment law or have I made that bit up? I understand that all allotments have their fallow period but this guy's fallow period is all year round, every year.

Can we do anything?

[Aberdeenplotter]

ask to take it on FOC so you get value for what you are paying over the odds for your half plot

[Piggle]

what happens if someone comes back though and you've done all the hard work?

[di]

Is he ever there? Does he manage to grow stuff amongst the weeds? Depending on how strict a site is, I think 'cultivated' can sadly mean just that and if he chooses to cultivate amongst weeds.....

I feel for you, we had so many thistle and dandelion seeds blow onto our plot last year...you'd see them blowing over and landing on what you've worked so hard on. Good luck getting something sorted. x

[zazen999]

We've just had lottie hoo-ha after someone on the waiting list wrote to the land owners [a local trust] complaining about the state of the plots and the fact that they themselves were on a waiting list...so do you know anyone on the waiting list that could write in to complain?

[VirginVegGrower]

ask to take it on FOC so you get value for what you are paying over the odds for your half plot

There's people on a waiting list. That's what I find bad...

[VirginVegGrower]

Is he ever there? Does he manage to grow stuff amongst the weeds? Depending on how strict a site is, I think 'cultivated' can sadly mean just that and if he chooses to cultivate amongst weeds.....

I feel for you, we had so many thistle and dandelion seeds blow onto our plot last year...you'd see them blowing over and landing on what you've worked so hard on. Good luck getting something sorted. x

No he's never touched it. Someone told me he had a bad back; that was when we first arrived. Mr VVG pointed him out to me at the local church, where he was carrying Christmas trees on his shoulders, where we were all helping out to decorate trees with the schools. I expected an old man and was shocked to meet someone only a little bit older than myself - early forties. I couldn't believe that this was the guy who couldn't tend his allotment. It's been three years since then.

[VirginVegGrower]

We've just had lottie hoo-ha after someone on the waiting list wrote to the land owners [a local trust] complaining about the state of the plots and the fact that they themselves were on a waiting list...so do you know anyone on the waiting list that could write in to complain?

I don't want to set folk against each other but in five years it's pretty bl**dy obvious he doesn't want to work it and somebody else could. I met a lovely young family last week that came for details of the allotment contact. They had moved to the village last year. I just don't get why they are not giving him an ultimatum.

[zazen999]

Have you asked the people who give the plots out why not...

[VirginVegGrower]

Have you asked the people who give the plots out why not...

Others have complained to the PC apparently but nothing has been done. If he was really poorly then I'd say cut him some slack, but it's simply not the case. I think others will raise this again soon as they are all moaning. It just seems daft and I really don't want another season picking somebody else's dandy heads off.

[zazen999]

I think the best way to go would be for one of the people on the waiting list to complain. Then there is a jolly good reason for the complaint to be addressed. But it means someone on the waiting list complaining...

[Two_Sheds]

do you know anyone on the waiting list that could write in to complain?

I do! A.N. Onymous and A.N. Other and... me. I'll write to the PC if you give me their address.

a lovely young family last week that came for details of the allotment contact.

Have a friendly word, tell them there's an empty plot next to you. For all you know, it is empty

Others have complained to the PC apparently but nothing has been done.

Me, I would type up a dozen (or more) slightly different letters of complaint. Offer them to anyone who's interested, to sign and post/deliver to the PC.

I don't like moaners, I like do-ers

[VirginVegGrower]

I do! A.N. Onymous and A.N. Other and... me. I'll write to the PC if you give me their address.

Have a friendly word, tell them there's an empty plot next to you. For all you know, it is empty



Me, I would type up a dozen (or more) slightly different letters of complaint. Offer them to anyone who's interested, to sign and post/deliver to the PC.

I don't like moaners, I like do-ers

I have mentioned it in an email tonight. I decided I would do and not moan. If I knew where that young family had moved to I would go and tell them to write to the PC. Some plot holders are apparently going to get in letters of complaint again. I think it's a waste more than anything and I'm awfully tempted to put my potatoes in there, as yet again I've bought too many. I'm really having to hold off!

[jackie j]

As a site manager it gets me mad when I see plots left to do their own thing. However the committee are behind me all the way so if I ask for a lack of cultivation letter to be sent, its sent. The secretary visits the site about every six weeks or so to check. They are given six weeks to do something about it and an eye is kept to make sure they comply. We also have a 75% cultivated rule especially during the growing season.
Find out who is in charge of letting plots ask them to meet you at the site.

[Seahorse]

Lots of issues as outlined above but if it's a genuinely neglected plot, I would give it a good strimming every few weeks. Not 'fair' and more work for you but better than having weeds 'n' seeds encroaching on your own space.