what are my chances

[CiderJay]

After being on the waiting list for too long and the end is still looking far off, a friend mentioned a plot on the site that i would prefer to be on is his sisters who sadly died 2 years ago. Before this it was his dads who looked after it for years but became unwell and couldn't cope with it anymore so passed it on too his daughter. The plot has been left to its own devices for at least 2 years still in my friends sisters name, not wanting to give it up to (in my friends words) 'some randomer' the family have carried on paying the fees with it being some sort of sentimental value to them. After hearing that i was after a plot he told me about it saying he'll call in to the site have a word with the plot next door who is a good family friend of theirs and ask about getting the plot passed over to me, as he would rather see someone they know take on the plot and look after it. What I'm wondering is can it be that simple for them just to put the plot in my name and me take over or would this be seen as unfair to everybody else on the waiting list/ against the rules.
I suppose I'm getting a bit excited about this plot and will find out for myself in a few days if it can be done, just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation or knows of this sort of thing going on?

[greenishfing]

I think it is awful that your friend has been able to hang onto the plot for 2 years, doing nothing with it, while there is obviously a substantial waiting list.

I wouldn't want a plot on a site where waiting lists are by-passed and nepotism rules (and the "old boys" run their own little fiefdom.)

I hate unfairness.

Our site does allow a single plot to pass on to a spouse or child, although it must continue to be cultivated.

[WendyC]

I think you need to investigate the tenancy rules of the site. Sounds like they need a big of a shake up. How do you know that the sand scenario isn't being repeated across the site. I feel for your frustration .

[plotman]

I appreciate your being excited at the prospect of obtaining an allotment. So would anybody else on the list. Thats why the list exists. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but im sure in the cold light of day you might see how unfair this is, And surely out of character for you. Good luck in your quest to get yr allotment. It is worth the wait.

[21up]

I asked if i could put my daughter on my site as a shared plotholder,as i have done so much hard work on it since i got it in october 2014 and did not want it to go to somebody who would let it get into the same state as it was.

And was told she can go on the waiting list and when her turn came up in 2 years she can have a plot or signed up to be a share of mine.
But having said that one of the committee got her friend to share hers with her.
But she could not have her name on it as shared.
And i know of 2 or 3 on our site who are sharing like that.
If they keep it in the daughters name and he pays the rent and looks after it and has is name on the list as in waiting .

He will be ok as he is just helping his friend and a lot of people have helpers from time to time IE children etc

[sparrow100]

You ask if it would be seen as unfair if you skip the waiting list to get hold of a friend's sister's plot?

Of course it would, because it's a really unfair thing to do. I think it's a shame they've been allowed to hang on to it and do nothing with it for 2 years, as if they own it. It wouldn't happen on our site.

[CiderJay]

yeah i understand the unfair thing, but from what my friend tells me the guy who tells the council of what plots are up for grabs just couldn't care less and makes me wonder if this guy covers a few of the sites in the area, and how much longer will the waiting list go on for. I guess its just so tempting to have the chance of a plot dangled infront of you even tho the circumstances are a bit unusual.

[plotman]

There not a just bit unusual, There dishonest and shouldnt be encouraged.

[veggiechicken]

The waiting lists wouldn't be as long if plotholders handed them back promptly when they were no longer able to care for them.
Sorry to say, but your friends were wrong to hang onto it for sentimental reasons. In fact, I think the family members who had the plot before, would have been upset to see it being left to its own devices.

[Patsy]

We deal promptly with plots that are not maintained on our site. Warning letter and if that's not heeded the tenancy is terminated and the next on waiting list gets the plot. Seems to work well and means the site is good and waiting list has gone down. Our Council landlords also check the site at least twice a year too.

[sparrow100]

yeah i understand the unfair thing, but from what my friend tells me the guy who tells the council of what plots are up for grabs just couldn't care less and makes me wonder if this guy covers a few of the sites in the area, and how much longer will the waiting list go on for. I guess its just so tempting to have the chance of a plot dangled infront of you even tho the circumstances are a bit unusual.

In that case I'd stay in regular contact with the guy (and copy in the Council) to make sure he knows you're keen. It's easy enough to check who covers which site with the Council too. I waited over 5 years for my plot. I'd be really, really cheesed off to find out someone had jumped in front of me.