Page 48 - ALG Issue 1 2017

East Midlands
Welcome to our new members...
3 individual members
Raunds United Charities
The Crescent Allotment Association
Evictions, what is the answer?
Since I have taken over the role of Regional Representative for the East Midlands from Rod Weston in June 2016, the most common enquiry that I have had from both societies and members is evictions from sites. The most frequent reason for evictions has been non-cultivation of the plot. The advice given to both parties is to follow your group rules, bylaws or tenancy agreement with regards to the actions taken.
If plot inspections are carried out on a regular basis, let the members know that they occur. If 28 days’ notice is issued for improvements to the plot, try to be consistent with the tolerance shown to members. Many reasons are given why gardening has not taken place and most are taken into account, but sometimes the question the plot holder may need to ask is “is allotment gardening for me?” Far too many plot holders wrongly believe that if the rent is paid then the plot is theirs, no matter how little they do on that plot.
It is recommended that all managing bodies ensure that plot holders agree to a tenancy agreement and they understand what is required as far as cultivation is concerned by the body at the beginning of the
tenancy. Many self-managed societies and local authorities want plot holders to succeed with their plots, but too many plots are blocked with members not being able to garden their allotment.
The more dif cult evictions are those where actions by a member are found to be unacceptable. This can come in the form of bad language, trespassing on other plots, the removal of crops from other members’ plots, subletting, and any other breaking of rules that they have agreed to abide to when they rst took on the plot.
Any person involved in allotments should ensure that everyone follows the processes set out in your agreement, and ask for advice on the issues and record that you have done so. These disputes can be upsetting to all concerned and volunteers managing the sites deserve to be treated with respect, which I have witnessed many people not getting in the last six months.
Paul Howgill
Regional Representative, East Midlands
ITV’s People’s Millions funds new allotment site in Stanwick, Northamptonshire
The land for the allotment site had already been purchased by Stanwick Parish Council but due to budget constraints the intended setup could
not happen without nding additional funding elsewhere. Planning consent had been given; however, this was based on having off road access and a car park area being constructed; without this, the site could not happen.
A few individuals set up a ‘think tank’ and approached the task of applying for
and securing a £50,000 grant from the ITV People’s Millions show. A local advertising plan was hatched, which initially involved posting pictures of sun owers around the village, then week by week, details were added. This built up to the day for voting, when we had to promote our plans to as many people as possible and get them to support our idea by texting in. The number to text was only issued on the day - so you can imagine, it was a military style operation which proved to be a great success.
We now have off road access, a car park, a fully rabbit proofed perimeter fence, separate community garden and allotment areas and water taps throughout. We
have full and half plot allotments, with experienced gardeners through to novices enjoying this wonderful, new site - which only went live in October 2015!
Dave Cox
Chair, Stanwick Allotments
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