Council allotment inspectors - infuriating!

[Andromeda]

What do other people think about having kids running over their plots?
I think unsupervised children is a huge insurance risk that your group should sort out urgently.

Children on the site are a significant issue...one that has basically split the site now. The parents seem to think we should all be happy to keep an eye on any children who are around (and should welcome their little darlings!), whilst those of us who don't have children/don't bring them to the site/are actually responsible think that parents should either supervise their own children or not bring them to the site.

There's no leadership from the committee atm because they are evenly split on the issue, but the tenancy agreement is clear that parents bring children at their own risk and should supervise them accordingly (each plot holder is insured as part of their rental agreement though). I have a gate to my plot which is now padlocked - I may not like other people's offspring on my plot but I don't want them hurt either! I take over as chair of the committee in January which will tip the balance in favour of children being more strictly supervised, I was voted in by the 'old timers' who liked my mix of relative youth and old school values. Even if nothing changes in the next few weeks - and I don't expect it to - I'll happily put in place whatever measures are needed to sort the problem out.

[Samurailord]

What do other people think about having kids running over their plots?
I think unsupervised children is a huge insurance risk that your group should sort out urgently.

I think that children should be treated like any other visitor or helper to a plot.

They are bound by the same rules and regulations as the plot holder - you don't go on other people's plots without permission, you don't remove anything from a plot (even manure sticking to clothes after a fall into a mulched bed) and the plot holder is ultimately responsible for the actions of their visitors/helpers.

Plot holders who experience damage or loss due to another plot holder's children should be entitled to compensation for loss or to put things right again.

Hit them in the pocket - it may make them think twice.

I have no problems with kids on allotments as long as they are kept under control, are not too noisy and don't cause a nuisance to other plot holders.

I have to say that really as I am planning bringing our first grandchild to the plot next year, weather permitting, and don't want Diane to bring out draconian rules that would not allow it.

By the way, we have just found out it's going to be a boy - my son is absolutely over the moon! (as are we)

Andy

[alldigging]

Children on the site are a significant issue...one that has basically split the site now.

Even if nothing changes in the next few weeks - and I don't expect it to - I'll happily put in place whatever measures are needed to sort the problem out.

You need to have this question answered:

What does our site insurers say about children running round round the site unsupervised?

[Andromeda]

You need to have this question answered:

What does our site insurers say about children running round round the site unsupervised?

That it is the duty of the 'responsible adult' to take all reasonable actions to keep children visiting the site with them safe (that's wrt the individual plot holders an example would be, there was no come back on me when an unsupervised child landed in my nettle patch) - I don't have access to the more detailed site insurance until I take my post but it is something I will be familiarising myself with as a matter of urgency in January!

[Plot10]

I, as well as other plotholders, have had to put padlocks on our plots due to the kids from the nearby houses who use them as a playground. . I have warned them to stay out as I have lots of wood lying about holding down cardboard etc, some with nails in and they could easily trip and get hurt but the parents just chuck the kids out in the garden and don't seem to notice if they clamber through the fence into the allotments.

These are quite young and if there's anyone on the plots they'll just trail in and start poking about and asking 100 questions. I don't want to be nasty as they or the parents could easily vandalise my plot but I wish they'd P off and leave me alone.

I'm not anti-child I just don't have much time for other people's.

[buzzingtalk]

A little update - I sent an email to the council (this was recommended as a route of communication) over a week ago now and have had no reply

As for weither it was the council or committee, none of them have made themselves known to me! I had no idea of a committee until it was mentioned as a possibilty a few posts above...

I grew a few bits this year but it took a while to remove rubbish and cut the brambles down, once i planted things they got eaten alive by bindweed within days so i knew i had to act on a larger scale...a lot of the plots on my end of the allotment are horrid, have been left for ages with nothing done about them, so no idea why they are coming down hard on people who actually try to imrove the site on the long run...as for neighbouring plots i have beighbours either side who let weeds run rampant across my borders so it is hard work!

I am going to have to call the council tomorrow. They have been very, very slack ! Prime example - I moved house a year ago, rang council ASAP to update my address for allotment records, they didn't update it. I rang last month when I hadn't recieved my annual bill and they said 'whoops' and updated it again and said they would send the bill to my new address...as for any correspondance i have had nothing so far since i got my keys just about a year ago. I have a day off tomorrow and was planning on spending it down there but if the council are going to treat people like this and insist on strict deadlines but take a week to reply then what is the point ?

[buzzingtalk]

Annoying thing is, I could just rent a rotovator but there is really no point, the site is run over with bindweed/couch grass and massive brambles...i don't have an army of help (in fact, no one!) and am in no ways a professional...just an organic gardener taking my time to restore this awful site to its former glory yet i get penalised for it while other people flounce rules and leave sites to ruin around me. very frustrating and not sure what to do?

[Two_Sheds]

..i don't have an army of help (in fact, no one!)

You've been offered some help in the past, when you were struggling before. There are quite a few of us near to Norwich, why don't you have a Digging Day? We could turn up with our packed lunches and spades, and get a fair bit done for you

[Plot10]

I had a non-cultivation letter a couple of years ago and basically I sent them an e-mail acknowledging it was untidy and then set out what I planned to do to put it right, I asked for more time and was granted it and have heard nothing since, no letter this year. If you don't get a response to e-mail, put it in an old fashioned letter and keep a copy - mine is below (apologies for the length, I was on a roll).

"I accept that the plot had become quite untidy and following receipt of your letter I have already taken steps to improve the appearance of the plot by removing rubbish and generally tidying the area as well as strimming the tall weeds and grass prior to further cultivation. I have made significant progress in cultivating the plot, given that when I took it over it was essentially unfenced rough pasture, uncultivated for many years and used mainly as a dog toilet and general dumping ground, which has taken a lot of time, effort and not a little money to bring even to its current standard.

"As I’m sure you’re aware, this season has been one of the most challenging of recent years, with hot/dry weather in Spring leading early crops to bolt, followed by a cool, wet summer resulting in very poor growth for many crops but encouraging rampant weed growth which even the most dedicated gardeners have struggled to keep under control. The site generally is very poorly drained, resulting in the soil being waterlogged in winter and even during periods this summer the weather has been so wet as to make the ground unworkable for days at a time.

"The remaining uncultivated part, currently covered with black plastic to kill off the ground elder, is to be my potato patch for next year. I would prefer to keep this covered until around February ready to dig over for planting in March/April but I could dig it over sooner if granted an extension to the time limit.

"As there was no specific advice in the letter as to what the Council considers an acceptable standard regarding my plot, if after re-inspection my plot is still considered unsatisfactory I’d appreciate being told exactly what further issues the Council would like me to address, and the opportunity to do so, before a final eviction notice is issued."

[buzzingtalk]

@Plot10 - thats pretty much a similar sort of letter I sent. I have now been replied to, and have been granted an extension until March which is great! He set out what he expects - which is 'progress being made across the plots in all stages of preparation for cultivation' which I take as a nod to my need to cover parts in carpet, then move around the site covering and digging. He said 50% of the plot being ready is not unreasonable, and its not, as within a few months the carpet will have been down for a while and the ground ready to dig So all very positive and thanks to all for the help!

@Two_Sheds - thanks! When I was quite active on here there was talk of doing this, and I thank you all for the offer! I ended up travelling and working LOTS in summer hence not coming on here a lot, and leaving my allotment under cover so i could tackle it in earnest in winter. I would LOVE to have a dig day, if anyone would like to come? I have a large mobile stove and double cooker in my capervan, so could make lots of warm soup, tea and general treats for anyone who would like to come. And I am sure there will be pleanty of material to burn for an obligatory post dig bonfire

I am glad the council have seen some sense...I was planning on getting down there today but its raining (sods law - first day off in 7!) am going to get down there next week instead and shuffle carpet and card around until the cows come home

[Two_Sheds]

I would LOVE to have a dig day, if anyone would like to come?

OK.

Start a new thread, put up a variety of dates that suit yourself, and have a poll. I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangement. I'm fairly flexible, more so than yourself ~ I think you're on shifts?

[zazen999]

Children on the site are a significant issue...one that has basically split the site now. The parents seem to think we should all be happy to keep an eye on any children who are around (and should welcome their little darlings!), whilst those of us who don't have children/don't bring them to the site/are actually responsible think that parents should either supervise their own children or not bring them to the site.

There's no leadership from the committee atm because they are evenly split on the issue, but the tenancy agreement is clear that parents bring children at their own risk and should supervise them accordingly (each plot holder is insured as part of their rental agreement though). I have a gate to my plot which is now padlocked - I may not like other people's offspring on my plot but I don't want them hurt either! I take over as chair of the committee in January which will tip the balance in favour of children being more strictly supervised, I was voted in by the 'old timers' who liked my mix of relative youth and old school values. Even if nothing changes in the next few weeks - and I don't expect it to - I'll happily put in place whatever measures are needed to sort the problem out.

It will have to as you will do a risk assessment and find the risk as high, and something that needs addressing immediately. Innit.

[zazen999]

Don't use carpet, use cardboard and then plant straight through in the spring. No need to lift it at all. Potatoes grow underneath and if you still have weeds, you can add another layer and just keep lasagning it.

Carpet really is not good for your soil or wildlife.

[buzzingtalk]

I'm using the carpet temporarily, for a few months before moving, just to kill weeds off. Its a nightmare as previous plot owner left carpet on for YEARS and ive yet to dig some of it out of the soil but it works very well, doesn't go soggy like cardboard (as in break down quick) and can be reused for the whole site...i came into a load of it a few months ago and it was only going on the tip so its great i found it something to do for a while before it does get destroyed.

@ two sheds - yes shift worker over here *sigh*. Will have a look at some dates and start a thread

[Andromeda]

It will have to as you will do a risk assessment and find the risk as high, and something that needs addressing immediately. Innit.

Precisely. Fortunately I am a scientist and as such, I have a great deal of experience doing risk assessments.