Hi All
Can you help with this???
I took over an allotment in Feb. Problem is, the previous tenant of my plot has apparently just vanished off the face of the earth and left her shed with all her goodies in it on the plot with no forwarding address or contact details. I've spoken to the secretary of the allotments and they in turn have contacted the solicitors, who have told them, in no uncertain terms, not to remove any items from the shed as it would be considered theft. Where do I go from here. Do I ask them to move the shed and the contents to a communal area until this problem is sorted out?
Any suggestions as to my next move?
How long ago did she leave the allotment? If its been a while, a year of more, I'd just use it - if she comes back, just blame ignorance (if you know what i mean).
If I were you I'd ask the Secretary to get the contents moved asap to somewhere secure (to keep the solicitor off their back). It can't be convenient for you not to have a storage place, and it wouldn't be sensible or practical to install a second shed, even if you have the room, which since it would be a waste of good growing space, no doubt you haven't. :)
If she ever wants the shed back, then you can always get another, but till that day, I can't see why you shouldn't have the use of it as long as the stuff inside's been shifted.
Theft is defined as the intention to permanently deprive someone of their property. Since I assume that you are not going to move the shed or the goodies within, but rather use them (borrowing ;D) then it is not theft.
I have recently taken over a plot, which had a ramshackle shed (now removed before it fell down) and goodies such as metal wire cloche frames, which I shall definately be using. Should the other fellow come back and demand his wire, then he could have them.
In all honesty, I think the solicitors are being over cautious (and covering their back) If the woman returns, you and the committee can demonstrate that you have taken all reasonable steps to contact her to return her property - but remember she does have some responsibility in all of this, i.e. not disappearing......
Bottom line, I would be inclined to make use of what is useful but don't use any consumables that you could not replace.
Bit of a rant, but whatever happened to common sense - ref the solicitors ??? I just can't see the CPS being at all interested in this and the Police even less interest.
If something is dumped for a certain period (I've a feeling it's three months but check) then you're entitled to dispose of it. I think due notice has to be given, but a letter to the last known address would cover that.
What are the allotment regulations? If she's not been about for a time the plot will be in a state!I would have thought the allotment committee who presumably have "last known" contact details will have tried to contact her especially since the solicitors are involved.
just to ask if you have her plot now then surely its yours and all that is on it other wise they should of not let it out with out her consent or the removal of her belongings i know from talking to an old man from the plots my dad had (3 years back ) that if a plot was left (with out good reason ie death illness etc) then 3 letters wear sent to the last known address of the person and a date given to reply by normale one month after the date on letter then it was given to another person and any thing on it was eather thrown away or use by who would use it because the notice letters wear sent regardless of weather thay have moved because its there responsability to inform the committy i hope this makes sence and good luck
Had a quick look at your website ;D
I must congratulate you on your plan its a great idea to get the kids interested I'm gonna do one myself for my nippers. ;D
Quote from: grawrc on March 31, 2006, 21:58:32
What are the allotment regulations? If she's not been about for a time the plot will be in a state!I would have thought the allotment committee who presumably have "last known" contact details will have tried to contact her especially since the solicitors are involved.
I know that the proper regulations were followed i.e letters sent, friends and relatives contacted etc. but they tell me that the shed is still a point of concern.
IN our regulations if you give up a plot you have to either remove your stuff from it or it passes to the new plotholder? Since she has "given up" the plot by default....? MMmmm probably better to play safe and get the shed and stuff moved.
I would put the Secretary on the spot if I were you. Tell him/her that you need the space for a shed of your own if you can't use that one, so you want them to organise its removal. Maybe then you'll get a compromise that they'll move the stuff out of it, but leave the shed, since they he/she won't want the hassle of trying to store a shed.
That leaves you in the clear. :)