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Notes from Meeting on 6th February 2022

These are notes from the meeting, and not formal minutes.

The meeting had been advertised by on-site posters, and word-of-mouth. As we develop better communications, in time, we anticipate more plotholders able to attend and contribute.

Names of attendees were not taken. Nick, RBC’s Allotment Partner Officer, attended and led the meeting.

Review of progress

26 plots have recently been cleared or created, taking at least a week’s work from the RBC grounds crew. Thanks to volunteers for marking out the new plots and welcoming the new tenants.

Goddard’s Farm will manage lettings locally in future, with Nick’s support.

Nick has been on a fixed term contract that ends on 1st April, but it seems that the council recognises there’s a need to continue support or risk undoing the achievements so far. Discussions are ongoing (and yet to be confirmed) that the Allotment Partner Officer role could continue on a 2 day per week basis for the next 2 years. This news was welcomed by the group.

Rent review

We had been advised previously that the plot rental would be reviewed, partly to assess fairness of discounts etc. A rise is forecast, though the rent won’t be doubled as some rumours have suggested. To keep rents low, the council is grateful for the self-management initiatives taken on by sites such as Goddard’s Farm.


Ongoing items

  1. Nick to send National Allotment Society details to Pete

  2. Transfer of access to communal shed to the group

  3. How to manage piles of waste

  4. For new tenants only, pick-up of waste they’ve removed from their new plots

  5. More car park hard standing

  6. Contact with Housing Association re problem with tenants throwing litter and dog waste over the fence

  7. Possibility of some walnut trees to plant in back hedgerow

  8. Further water troughs needed, particularly for new plot sites – no budget for that this year, but will lobby for 2023


Access to site


The grounds crew want access to site from Basingstoke Road, near plot 3, and the sheds there will need to move at some point. The council would raise the height of the gate to prevent unauthorised access. Grounds crew need access if ever they need to remediate overgrown plots.

With regards to current main gate – no plan to move this at present. Private contractors working at the adjacent property, Hartland Court, seen burning waste on site creating black smoke – health hazard.


Communications


Email addresses have been collected from new tenants wherever possible. We have a website (thanks Geoff)


Date of next meeting: 12 noon on Sunday 27th March 20th March


Notes taken by Lyn, plot 40




Previous meeting notes: