How we got our plots

[BornAgainGardener]

There are no allotments in our village. Spurred on by Hugh F Whatsisname I contacted the council asking them to make land available, as they are obliged to do. The wheels of local bureacracy then started to creak into motion and we waited.
As you know the seasons pass quite speedily and nothing really seemed to be happening.

We had the idea of writing to the local community newspaper, which is delivered free to every house in the village, just to explain what we were asking for.

Well, the response has been great. People have offered up their land for anyone who wants to use it. At least half of those who partitioned the council are now turning suburban lawns into allotments. The local council can procrastinate as much as they like and if they ever get round to helping out their elecorate - well, we'll see if we still need their help.

My advice to you all is this; put the word out, let people know what you want, you might be suprised at what happens.

[saddad]

Well done... 

[tonybloke]

Woo Woo!! great news!! it's nice to hear some positive stories occassionally!!

[1066]

It's amazing what you get if you ask! Seriously well done and a good point to make 

[Squash64]

Excellent news, well done for thinking of contacting the newspaper. Good luck with your plot.

[Unwashed]

Hi BornAgain

I'm pleased you've got what you wanted, but it's very disappointing that your council have shirked their responsibility.  An allotment is much more than just somewhere to grow stuff and councils should be embracing their obligation to provide sufficient allotments enthusiastically because allotments are good for people and communities.  The Landshare model has some merit, but it doesn't have the social aspect.  Councils have all the powers they need to create new allotent sites and it's only a few inner-city councils that genuinely can't find suitable land.  We're being let down by our lazy local authorities and I'm not convinced that Landshare is helping.

[betula]

I agree it is a good outcome.

I do think the council should look at it's responsibilities laid down in law.

If 6 or more people want an allotment I think they are obliged to provide one.

[BornAgainGardener]

Thanks for your posts everybody.

The local authorities understand their obligations and don't even try to deny it. But they are glacially slow . .
I guess that they will get round to it one day. But in the meantime . . .

I don't really think of it as a 'landshare' type of scheme but more of a community gardening project. When allotments become available, and a number of sites have been identified, there will still be a demand for them. I'll certainly be in the queue.

Have a look at my blog and see what i'm up to.

[emmy1978]

Well done you and I love your blog!

[BornAgainGardener]

Well done you and I love your blog!

Thank you, you're very kind.

[lottiedolly]

Well done guys

[betula]

Our local Blooms gardening centre is offering Allotment plots ..................£5 a week....................

[Unwashed]

They have a Blooming nerve!  How big is the plot?

My council vote on Monday on a proposal for new tenants to pay £20/pole.

[betula]

Don't know how big ,they have little notices up all over saying Allotment plots £5 a week.Never bothered to enquire.One thing did occur to me,if I was stuck on the end of a long waiting list,would I be tempted??

[Digeroo]

I have some veg in my front garden it is not popular with some of the neighbours.

 

£20 a pole

:
that will cut the waiting list down to size.  No waiting list - no more allotments  needed- very cunning plan.

[sjb]

hello can some one tell me the size a allotment should be and how much i should pay for each sizes   

[Digeroo]

Hi sjb welcome to A4A.

There have been a number of threads on this topic and the answers are very variable.  I will try and find some links for you.  A standard size is 10 rods, which was calculated to be right to feed a family.  But a lot now are half or quarter.

[saddad]

Hi Sjb and welcome to A4A... someone not as technically challenged will probably provide a link to the threads...
As a warmer 300sq yards or ten poles is about £50 per annum... we pay £24 because we own the land so don't have to pay a landlord.

 

[Digeroo]

Can't find the thread.  Can any one find it? 

I am on a private site they tend to be more expensive. I pay £45 for about 6 rods.

It also varies depending on what you get.  Eg Water, parking, toilets etc.  We get water and manure but no parking or toilets. 

[Digeroo]

Found it
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,54701.0.html

There was a vote type one as well which gave a good range.