waiting list + abandoned plots northampton

[ladygnomeathome]

what's the situation like on the rest of the allotment sites in northampton?
Over here at rothersthorpe road site there are more than 18 plots unworked this year while the waiting list is about 25. Just want new neighbours and not to have monster weeds spreading over from abandoned plots, hope the allotments officer gets busy

[WendyC]

Have you reported this to whoever runs your plots? Perhaps with photos? On my plot we are chasing one plot holder who hasn't worked her plot but the process is slow to get eviction as there are warning procedures to go through. Do you know that plot holders aren't being persued? Could you ask for a meeting on site to show these abanboned plots? You nay have to be a bit proactive! Good luck.

[Two_Sheds]

It is a slow process to get someone evicted. I wish they had the decency to:

a) work their plot
b) give it back when they know they don't intend to do it

The attitude seems to be "I've paid my money, I'll do what I like".

We have 2 plots that have had nice shiny new sheds put on them ... and which are swiftly disappearing under the 3ft high weeds. Weeds which are now flowering and will spread seed to everyone else's plots, making a hard job even harder

[alldigging]

Frustrating as heck. Photos need to be taken as evidence and consulting the rules on how to get people off.

[Mikey]

Robust Allotment committee, and more robust tenancy agreements. Our year runs from 1st Jan to 31st Dec, if by May it hasn't been worked ta ta, new tenant.

'The good life' isn't an easy life, its a lot of hard graft and it takes a certain person to be willing to make the effort. I think with the current GYO movement and the long waiting lists they should vet people before they get a plot.

Visit their home, send out a questionnaire before being put on the list. I don't think it should have to come to an abandoned overgrown plot before a new tenant takes over.

Am I slightly dictatorial?

[WendyC]

I get frustrated with the plots where next to nothing is planted. One plot was taken over last year and raised beds put in using all new timber, must have cost loads. The plot holder got best newcomer. They never planted anything let year and in the end we had to ask them to cut down their thistles. This year I think I counted six runner bean plants and about the same number of broad bean plants. All in 2.5 rods. Meanwhile I have a queue of plants waiting for space. Why have a plot if you don't want to grow anything?

[ladygnomeathome]

hurray soon to have new folks on northampton plots!

several e-mails and phone calls from various plot holders got the allotments officer to develop a new enthusiasm for his job and touch wood, by the autumn we will have some new neighbours.
Guess the crumby winter/spring made quite a few folks give up.
Next challenge to get the allotment committee back on its' feet...

[grahamR]

We're a fairly new Association on a site that's barely three years old, Until this year, the site was run by the Parish Council - well "Run" isn't the word "not run" might be more accurate considering what they allowed and now regret. Our new Association has made them honour some of their earlier allowances on the basis that they lapse on the departure of the particular individual plot holders, as of now, we manage ourselves in line with national guidelines and common sense, for instance, regarding rents, they are now due at a general meeting in October, if not paid by the end of October then a written reminder will be sent. If not paid by the end of November, then the Association will reconsider the tenancy.
We've already had one person leave because he didn't agree with a rule passed at a recent special meeting held to discuss a problem. So be it! Give everyone a voice, but no- one should obstruct the general well- being of the site.



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[Two_Sheds]

no- one should obstruct the general well- being of the site.

If only ....