Why the overgrown plots?

[Cosmo and Dibs]

If this is the case, why are the plots generally overgrown and in a state when a new tenant receives a plot? Surely they don't just leave a plot empty for months? Do they not hand them over straightaway?

[firstimer1]

Who knows im just down the road in Stafford and took on an over grown plot (well 2 half plots) the back end of last year 5 foot high, an not been worked for three years for what i've been told. Is it a west mids thing???? x Belle

[Snadger]

Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances for a plot not being cultivated i.e. sickness or bereavement etc. This can lead to a delay in plots being relet.

[Eyren]

My plot was somewhat overgrown (waist-high grass and weeds) when I took it on, because the previous tenants had moved house and had taken a while to let the secretary know that they no longer wanted it.

On the whole, though, I think it's that some councils and allotment committees just haven't caught up with the times yet. It's not so long ago that allotments were only popular with the old boys who remember "Dig For Victory", and sites were often under threat from development - our site was originally 8 acres, but now it is only two

In those circumstances, it was more important to have tenants paying the rent than for the plots to actually be tended, so there was no pressure to evict tenants who didn't work their plot. Some councils are now stepping up to the demand by being stricter, but these things take time...

[di]

Also,a lot of sites let on a yearly basis,so even if the lands not being worked,it won't necessarily come up for rent until the end of that lease.

[Sprocket*]

My mum and dad have an allotment in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and they constantly have a battle with the council to take any interest in the allotments. They are quick to take the money but not interested in doing anything. They have been constantly complaining about two tennants on their site who have not touched them for the last two years. BUT because they are paying the council don't care. It is such a shame as one of the plots was filled with new fruit bushes and plants and have never ever been picked - the black birds and other wildlife had a good feed instead. It makes me so mad because I know that people are waiting!!!

[Brewer-again]

unworked plots

Now from a council point of veiw allotments are plots of land that they must let for growing stuff, the rent is incredably cheap.

A standard plot would be worth about £100k in the south east as a building plot.

Limited income means limited numbers of staff looking at allotments. The council does inspect plots and sends 'weed notices' to the leaseholders but then they have to continue to monitor the plot condition. They also look at fencing, gates, locks, approach roads and fly tipping. It is just not cost effective.

I reckon you need to find an interested councillor and pester them, they will pester the council and you may get more plots being usefully used, which would be nice.

[magz.mccarthy]

i just got a plot last year and it was seriously overgrown. From what I've heard, it hasn't been touched for 3 years!!! Same with the plots on both sides. All 3 plots were owned by an elderly Greek gent who passed away last year. I assume he was not healthy enough to work the plots towards the end. It's difficult to take plots away in that situation, I would want to take something clearly loved from a fella 'cause it seemed like he wouldn't be able to work it again.

Perhaps though a better scheme could be used where older plot owners can share a plot with someone new so that they can pass on their invaluable experience and the plot gets used, but they still get to hold onto what has been theirs for such a long time?

[Two_Sheds]

Our plots become available in October. Therefore, you can take one on in the autumn and do nothing at all for a whole year - it can't be re-let until the following October if somebody's paid for the whole year.

the one next to me has had 4 tenants in as many years, all of whom have turned up enthusiastic before swiftly realising that a lot of hard work is involved to keep it all tidy and productive. They just give up, and mostly don't bother telling the Rep they aren't coming back.

[oggie68]

most people take them onfor 12 months if they pay there rent then dont havethe time lack of effort etc the weeds will grow and grow and grow and grow!!!! Just taken me 6 months toget mine looking nice.Everything on it is out of skips tips or freecycle.