Page 70 - ALG Issue 3 2019

South West
Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset
REPRESENTATIVE
Mr Neil Dixon
12 Flamstead Crescent, Kings Tamerton, Plymouth PL5 2AX 01752 363379 neildixon@blueyonder.co.uk
MENTOR
Allan Cavill
South West 07748178964 allan.cavill2@gmail.com
Progress at Exmouth Allotments
TOILETS, CARPET AND SHOPS
The Pound Lane site of Exmouth and District Allotments (EDAA) had an old wood-frame toilet block, internally
clad throughout with asbestos. The men’s toilet had failed completely some years ago; the women’s had a faulty cistern, which overflowed and wasted large volumes of water. It was going
to be a problem to repair, the roof had rotted, and external wood cladding was in a sorry state. Allotment waste had accumulated against the block.
After much procrastination and no maintenance over six years, key committee members put together a Big Lottery bid to cover the cost of rebuild with EDAA paying for demolition, asbestos and rubbish removal. We were delighted that the Big Lottery awarded the full grant requested and the money was soon in the EDAA bank account and action was needed. More advice from plotholder builders and an architect, and focused discussion, led to contracts for demolition, asbestos removal, a bespoke wooden structure and plumbing with respected local contractors. Coordination of the
process seemed daunting but all worked smoothly, the whole process being completed in four weeks. A unisex toilet now occupies half the new structure with a much-needed secure store in the other half. Painting of the floor and outside cladding, purchase of a cupboard, toilet accessories, and shelving for the store all followed rapidly.
Reactions have been ‘wow’, ‘lovely’, ‘ideal’, ‘appropriate’. After organising the quotes, agreeing and coordinating the work, it was a great relief to finish and have such a positive reaction. Probably a relief for all after four weeks without a toilet! Many thanks for the efforts of all involved; Shift-It for the demolition, Sheds Direct for
a bespoke building, Westmancoat
for the plumbing, Wilsons Paint
for paint supply. They are all great local companies giving good advice and service. The project supported financially by the Big Lottery and,
with additional EDAA money, allowed members a modern working toilet and a secure store.
Probably a relief for all after four weeks without a toilet!
CARPETS
The use of carpet on plots has been a problem. Following an NSALG conference and advice to our two site coordinators that carpet as mulch
is not good for the environment, the committee decided to ban carpet on our allotments but to organise the removal at no additional cost
to plotholders. Many responded
by removing their own carpet particularly once they understood
the environmental damage. Bulkier amounts were collected together at several locations and removed by Shift- It. So far, thirteen and a half tonnes have gone! A surprise and shock to us all. There are still remnants appearing as plots are worked over.
70 Allotment and Leisure Gardener