New Broom

[NOG]

We had loads of free plots and no waiting list,

Then the Ground Steward went and the Committee took over now (1 month later) we have no free plots and 40 on the list....emmm.

We got rid of the worst plot. totally covered in brambles, weeds, bricks and old baths. By letting them have the second years rent free.

Its odd how a change of approach changes everything.

[Earthbabe]

Something similar happened to us after the previous site steward resigned due to health and then he and his missus were evicted following a council investigation which must have been ongoing because the two followed very quickly. Now there are no vacant plots and people are putting in more work.

As you say. Odd how one little change makes such a difference.

[nick the grief]

Same thing with us as well. Our last bit was 5ft high brambles & Nettles & someone has taken it on & cleared it

[Alice]

I've never been involved in the lottie scene (have a very big garden) but I've been amazed reading other peoples posts that people were allowed to rent allotments at such subsidised rates and leave them to become overgrown dumps, while other people were on the waiting list and desperate to get a place to grow food. Surely it should be a condition of rent that you use it or loose it. In relation to the management of the lotties, I think these are elected posts. If you don't like how they run the place, vote them out.

I see in the local press new allotments have been created near me (Clydebank) They are indivudually fenced within a securely fenced area and come complete with shed and greenhouse and services on site. The rent is £20 year. They have a communal toilet block, cafe and shop. I've seen the site. It looks great. I've also seen the letters in the local press moaning about whatever freebies they weren't getting. Sorry if this is a rant, but when I see how hard other people work to get their allotments and gardens fit for growing I just feel so mad. I hope it is a condition of their £20 rent that they have to use the ground properly or give it up to someone who will.

[Lesley Jay]

Alice if you have a plot on any of our sites the rule is definitely use it or loose it!

[NOG]

Now we have a waiting list we can start sending the "Dirty Plot" letters, 3 and your are out.

[Lesley Jay]

No Nog not 3 warning letters. You will never get rid of them! One warning letter and if they don't cultivate the plot - terminate the tenancy.

[kirsty b]

The place where I'm hoping to get my lottie is owned by a company in my town and with a bit of clearing up they could at least double the number of plots and they are generous 12 rod plots too. The trouble is they don't have to run it like the council do, the plot I'm after has not been cultivated for years (according to one of the old boys I've chatted to) but he just keeps on paying his rent anyway cos he's got stuff in the shed there that he does'nt want to move.
If he hasn't paid his rent this year I'm going to pounce, and I'll offer to move his stuff for him if he still wants to keep it.
Or I might ask him if I pay some of the rent I can work the plot and his shed can remain untouched.

[NOG]

Arr thats where "Dirty Plot" letters come in. If it not in cultivation letter one.

Its always worth a morning watching the dues being paid. People trying to pay for their friend...so thay can get a second plot. A friend who we all went to the funeral of.

[rustylady]

Oh, toilets on site - I wish. Bucket in the shed for me.

Seriously though, I think most allotment societies include in their rules that if a plot is overgrown and not used then it can be re-let. You just need a committee that abides by the rules. Send a warning letter, do a site inspection, and when the rent is due for renewal refuse to accept the money on the grounds that the agreement has been broken. I think you can state a period during which personal belongings can be removed from the site (or shed) and if they're not then you either dump them in a skip, put them up for grabs or they pass to the new plot holder.

[kirsty b]

The trouble is, its a private company that own the land, although I have been told that it has been used as lotties for donkeys years. Its not really considered a going concern for said company, and if they ever get strapped enough for cash, theres a possibility that the land could end up being sold for industrial use. (its on an industrial estate).
Shame really, its a nice big chunk of land that could fit in lots more people. Its just not protected or run the way coulcil sites are.

[Earthbabe]

Alice if you have a plot on any of our sites the rule is definitely use it or loose it!

Same with us although they don't seem too hot on it and are often willing to be "flexible" about interpretation.

[nick the grief]

Hi Nog,

They get two letters at our site.

1. We notice you've stopped cultivating are you OK can we help is a full one too big etc
2. This your final warning, you've got a month & thats it

The reason we used this approach was one of the plot holders started the year as normal then was really ill for some time & no one knew for a start as he always came up at night when no one else was around, then we found out he was ill do we send a message telling him not to worry & one of the guys strimmed the weeds off. Knowing the plot was still there for him Helped (I hope)

[jlottie]

In 3 years I have never seen the plot holder next door, he keeps the weeds down and turns the soil over but nothing has been grown there in all this time.

Its such a shame as the plots don't stay vacant for long and I am sure someone would make much better use of it. - I suppose though that he is in keeping with his agreement.

[Lesley Jay]

No actually he isn't. I would class that as non cultivation and not using the allotment for what it was provided for - growing vegetables and fruit.