Breaking the rules!!

[muggs]

I have a plot on a charity run site (well not so much "run" as left to do its own thing!) and nobody really monitors the site at all.  A chap who has helped us a fair bit burns a lot of his work rubbish on the plot opposite ours (his is behind ours). Its all old paint pots, wallpaper etc. and it's starting to look a right tip. Not only this we have to pick up shreds of wallpaper off our plot when the wind blows.  He used our plot for this before we took it on, and one end was so badly contaminated with rubbish we had to use it to put the shed there. 

His burning of this rubbish is against "the rules", bonfires are allowed as long as they don't bother anyone around the alotments. We have sports pitches neighbouring us, and they did come and complain to us last year assuming it was us as the bonfire was next to us as the smoke was hampering their play.

I don't want to officially complain about this chap - he's had his plot for years and we are newcomers, but I don't want to approach him about it as he's rather temperamental at times and I don't want to create bad feeling.

I've even thought about renting the plot myself and clearing it so he doesnt use it, but have visions of him moving on to the next one along!!!

Any suggestions?

[muggs]

[John_H]

I have always wondered how people who behave like that can be so sensitive about restrictions which affect them but so insensitive about the impact their behaviour is having on others.

If what he does is spoiling the wider sence of enjoyment, I think its reasonable to request him to stop doing it (it sounds like he has had a good run for his money and exausted everyones reserve and tolerance).

My view would be that the rules are there to fall back on when someone won't listen to reason or recognise the benefits of working cooperatively.

The fact that he has been doing something unacceptable for a long time isn't really an argument for its continuation, equally the amount of time you have had your plot shouldn't really have any bearing on your own rights.

[muggs]

Thanks for your advice :)

Being a total chicken, I think I might clear the worst of the rubbish up and leave it looking tidy...then he might think twice or that someone has taken the plot.  If he then moves over to the next one I will say something to him (or my OH will!!! lol)

It's such a beautiful lottie field, with lots of wildlife and this rubbish makes it look an eyesore.

[fbgrifter]

i totally agree with john.  i also feel that you should really speak with this chap.  he probably isn't even aware how his rubbish burning is effecting the site and the plot holders.  don't be 'chicken' and don't expect people to be mind readers either.  approach him sensitively and he shouldn't be able to brook argument.  however if he is rude, then it would be time to pursue official channels.

[tim]

I would go straight to the Environmental Health chap - they've sorted out all our barking/smoke etc problems. No need for your name to be public, is there John??

[John_H]

Yes, you can always do it like that Tim, I was just expressing a personal preference - to try and seek a solution through neighbourly cooperation first and look to external authority if that doesn’t work.

The thing is that the same people still have to share the same space who ever wins the issue. I know we all garden for a bit of ‘peace and quiet’ but excessive isolation and lack of consideration sometimes also feel like part of the reason why lots of conflicts build. Thats why I personally think longer term solutions need to be about how to tackle both symptoms and causes at the same time.

[Alan_Y]

I would speak to the site rep or chair person if you have one and ask him to approach the person. If there are site rules I would also ask that these be recirculated to everyone as a refresher. I you have a meeting suggest having a burning area in a place that would not effect anyone.

If no luck as Tim.

( You could always have a big fire when the wind is blowing in his direction to make a point , if he then complains you could always high light the your problem. He also shouldn't be bringing non horticultural materials on site for disposal as they are odiously giving off toxic fumes.


Good luck

Alan

[tim]

Of course - I was assuming that tact had failed.

[busy_lizzie]

I would approach who ever manages the Site, whether by phone or letter and tell them of your concerns and let them deal with it. In this way you won't necessarily alienate your neighbour by a direct confrontation. If you have got rules that state no bonfires etc, they must have come from somewhere and have to be administered by someone. If that fails have you thought also about approaching a local Allotment Officer attached to your Council for advice? It is such a shame that you should be penalised in this way, when you keep your plot in good order.  I am a Committee Member on our Site and we would deal with this via the Committee without causing any awkwardness for you. Someone is not doing their job by not inspecting the site regularly. It is a pity you have to suffer because of someone's mismanagement. busy_lizzie

[Paulines7]

Talking of bonfires, one of our neighbours lit one on Christmas morning!! >:(

He always lights his fires when the smoke is blowing in our direction and he burns  pots and other plastic or rubber items that give off obnoxious fumes.   >:( >:(

[busy_lizzie]

It is amazing isn't it, how somebody can be so inconsiderate.  There must  be laws out there to stop people, particularly burning toxic fumes. I wonder if your local fire station can advise you about them Pauline and then the local authority could be informed, so they could take action.  I always think it is unfair to ask people to take matters into their own hands when you don't know how argumentative the perpetrators will be. I sympathise with you. busy_lizzie

[flowerofshona]

If he must burn the stuff why doesnt he get an incinerator they are only about £12.00 and they have a lid !!! I think i would surgest it to him and say that your fed up with having to pick up his rubbish, does he 'grow' anything on his plot ?? if so ask if he would like rubbish dumped on his plot !!!
Sorry but i have no compulsion to face people who are annoying me and ask that they sort it out as i would respect them if they found something i was doing affected them.

[muggs]

Hi Flower :)

I'm going to the lottie either tomorrow afternoon or saturday. I have decided if there is more rubbish there I am going to ring the Site Steward. the chances of me bumping into the perpetrator to mention it to him are pretty slim as I think he's usually there during the week.  I'm really not keen on confronting him as my parents have known him for years and he really has helped us a lot including finding our shed for us and giving us plants.

I just hope nobody else on the site thinks its us as its right next to our plot!

Thinking about it we should be hearing from the Site Steward soon as the rents are due in April.

[Curryandchips]

The rules on our allotments, and probably most, state that the only waste that may be brought onto the site is compostable material, eg hedge clippings, kitchen waste, lawn cuttings, manure etc. Materials associated with a person's livelihood (unless they are in the horticultural business), are strictly banned. The only concession that is made, is hardcore where this is specifically for paths or bases. Persistent offenders are threatened with expulsion from the site, although that has not been necessary to date.

[Travman]

If your parents have known him for years can they not have a word with him ??

[grawrc]

Muggs, someone must be in charge of your site and there will certainly be site rules. Given the government's desire to move towards the Kyoto agreement, any  "authority" would be unhappy with the burning of paints and plastics which release noxious gases into the atmosphere. Right is on your side. My allotment only allows the burning of garden rubbish - though some abuse that- and not on Sundays (Calvinistic Scotland I guess ::)).
If this chap is friendly with your parents and helpful to you he can't be all bad. I agree with John: discuss the problem with him in a friendly way. Tell him what you ar e upset about without quoting bye-law this or threatening him with that. If he then continues to burn the nasty rubbish speak to your site manager and or the council.

Do you have allotment holder meetings? Try talking to other folk and see how they fell. Maybe there's a seething mass of resentment at this antisocial behaviour.