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I have taken on an allotment from the council for just over a year and had put in a lot of hard work to turn a completely overgrown plot around in that time, put in raised beds, tons of compost, a greenhouse and in the process of building a shed. The allotment has been my life for much of this year and grew very fond of it.
To cut a long story short, I was friends with another plot holder who recently had a new neighbour who initially seemed nice but later had a lot of disagreement which she described as harassment but unfortunately never got round to reporting it. Their relationship broke down to such an extent that the new guy walked out and whilst walking out, made up allegations about us to the allotment rep who reported it straight to the council without speaking to us first to establish facts. I believe I was dragged into this as I was friends with this lady and tried to mediate on a few occasions when things got really bad.
The incident that was supposedly reported was that we caught and drowned a rat and he felt so disgusted and scared that he could no longer continue. All the council had was a supposed witness account from this person and a picture of a dead rat inside a drained out water tank.
Based on the report, we both received a termination notice and we have 28 days to clear our things and leave. More interestingly is that the tenancy agreement doesn't state that one can be kicked out immediately for serious offenses.
None of us was made aware of the allegations or given the opportunity to state our case and the first we heard of this was in the termination notice. Most importantly of all, none of whats alleged was true and is a pure stitch-up. As it is, anybody can make up anything and see an innocent plot holder thrown off!
I've already written in to the council to raise a complaint and also spoke to my local councillor. The allotment officer from the council wouldn't engage in any talks and just stated if I have evidence to suggest that the termination is unjustified, then I'm welcome to send them in for consideration.
I'm very worried as I've been dragged into this mess and my supposed friend isn't particularly helpful or bothered to defend this and is instead trying to blame me. I'm very upset to think I will lose my plot over this silly game and maladministration by the council.
The council doesn't have good evidence to suggest I'm guilty and me neither to prove I'm innocent. I'm at a loss of what I can do at this point. Any advise would be highly appreciated. I considered hiring a solicitor but I'm not keen at the costs involved.
To cut a long story short, I was friends with another plot holder who recently had a new neighbour who initially seemed nice but later had a lot of disagreement which she described as harassment but unfortunately never got round to reporting it. Their relationship broke down to such an extent that the new guy walked out and whilst walking out, made up allegations about us to the allotment rep who reported it straight to the council without speaking to us first to establish facts. I believe I was dragged into this as I was friends with this lady and tried to mediate on a few occasions when things got really bad.
The incident that was supposedly reported was that we caught and drowned a rat and he felt so disgusted and scared that he could no longer continue. All the council had was a supposed witness account from this person and a picture of a dead rat inside a drained out water tank.
Based on the report, we both received a termination notice and we have 28 days to clear our things and leave. More interestingly is that the tenancy agreement doesn't state that one can be kicked out immediately for serious offenses.
None of us was made aware of the allegations or given the opportunity to state our case and the first we heard of this was in the termination notice. Most importantly of all, none of whats alleged was true and is a pure stitch-up. As it is, anybody can make up anything and see an innocent plot holder thrown off!
I've already written in to the council to raise a complaint and also spoke to my local councillor. The allotment officer from the council wouldn't engage in any talks and just stated if I have evidence to suggest that the termination is unjustified, then I'm welcome to send them in for consideration.
I'm very worried as I've been dragged into this mess and my supposed friend isn't particularly helpful or bothered to defend this and is instead trying to blame me. I'm very upset to think I will lose my plot over this silly game and maladministration by the council.
The council doesn't have good evidence to suggest I'm guilty and me neither to prove I'm innocent. I'm at a loss of what I can do at this point. Any advise would be highly appreciated. I considered hiring a solicitor but I'm not keen at the costs involved.
) but we are a good hearted bunch who will help if we can. 
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