N Tyneside ... Been waiting for about 5 years

[WillieBee]

I joined the waiting list about 5 years ago for an allotment, but have heard nothing since.

Sorry, I heard once, basically asking whether I was still interested .. I said Yes !

I am still waiting patiently.

How long have other folk here had to wait, from first application, to first dig on their new allotment ?

[SarzWix]

Gosh, that's a loooong wait!! Have you made a nuisance of yourself? Visit the site regularly and note plots that look uncultivated, ring and ask why they aren't let, keep asking where you are on the list? Sometimes sites will have plots that are so bad they don't try and let them, you could offer to take one on (if there are such and you're willing to put the graft in)...

I was lucky, I got in just before the boom, and only waited six months, but took on what was more like an overgrown field than an allotment!

[WendyC]

As above I'd keep letting them know you are there. What have you tried other than responding to a phone call?
We've had a lot of movement this year and our list is now the lowest it's been for years. I've had a plot for about 10 years now and waited 4 months.

[zazen999]

I kept hassling and hassling and pointing out the ones that weren't being used; waited about 18 months in the end from first enquiry to getting a plot.

[chris]

I think I was 2 years, but I literally was badgering monthly I think - emailing and phoning - I did apologise, but said I was keen etc - and the site I'm on now actually turned around and told me that they prefer it that way, as they know who is keen and who isn't.

[alldigging]

Go and see them and make sure your contact details are up to date.

[redser]

6 years for me. I finally made an enquiry and got one a few weeks later. The sqeaky wheel gets the oil!

[Nicos]

When we wanted to take on our plot I hassled the local council and asked why a specific plot had been allowed to be unused for several years.
They told me they'd written to the people who were supposed to be renting it asking for them to return the key...and nope- they'd not paid rent on it for 2 years

I offered to go and ask them for the key ( the neighbouring plot holder had a contact number) on behalf of the council and back pay the rent (£14/yr) if I could take over the plot.
They said they had a long waiting list ( so why were there so many abandoned plots????)
but...yes they would transfer the plot into my name if I would do that!

So- sometimes it pays to think outside the box and be proactive!!

Good luck- be bold and chase 'em up!