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Absolutely fuming!!! What can I do??
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Message 1.Â
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
I took over a half plot about 9 months which had previously been in a bad state, not being cultivated for a couple of years. I managed to cultivate a 1/4 of it in the first few months but have since been diagnosed with a bad foot injury. As a result I have been unable to do any more digging for a while but have been to keep the weeds down etc. Infortunately I do not have anyone who could have helped me.
The secretary of the allotment was informed of my injury and seemed sympathetic. However, today I have received a letter stating that i can not have the plot after 31st October as enough work has not been done. What should be my
next step? -
Message 2
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
If its a temporary injury i would write a letter explaining that to the secretary. You could ask someone to help you cover any bad areas to stop weeds etc spreading to other plots. We have had people who have paid for someone to dig their plot when things like this have happened. If you cannot pay anyone you could consider sharing with someone who can do the work until you recover. Most people on allotments will help you if you ask but if the plot is in a bad state and you have not been cultivating it enough they may not be sympathetic. I would explain the situation because they cannot evict you if you are trying to get something done. Eviction is a last resort and you will have several warning before it comes to that. I would ask for help at your plot first and see who is willing to help you.
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Message 3
Posted by germinator (U13411914) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Of course I do not know the nature of your agreement and how your allotments are managed, but I would reply by letter, stating your case and likely prognosis. You could also offer to meet the committee, to answer questions if necessary. In a spirit of compromise, you could propose an extension eg till 31st December, which might give you time to recover or find an energetic friend.
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Message 4
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Thanks for that reply. The letter I received is in fact the first contact I have had with the secretary regarding an eviction even though she was aware of my injury. I have emailed her today to explain the situation further.
Apart from the bit I have cultivated, I have covered a majority of the plot with some black plastic to keep the weeds down. I have also managed to get down there on a number of occasions to keep the weeds down and by strimming It's just that I cannot do any cultivating through digging. I have also had to be very careful in terms of injuring my
foot even further as my job comes within the sport and teaching sector. I am also unsure how long the injury my
go on for so don't know whether I should give it up or not? -
Message 5
Posted by germinator (U13411914) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
I think only you can answer this question Nick, depending on your injury, length of waiting list, attitude of committee etc. I have made an effort to maintain my neighbour's plot this season, as she has been ill.
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Message 6
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Well in terms of the attitude of the committee, it seems to be 'if your face fits'. If I were to give up the plot or was not allowed to keep it, would this have any bearing on the future when my foot recovered and if I decided to apply for a plot somewhere else with the same council?
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Message 7
Posted by Ian W (U8604472) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
It does seem quite unreasonable in the circumstances but I know how "funny" people can be about unkempt plots (not just weeds but also wood and other junk) and with ever longer waiting lists there's always pressure on our committee to evict those who aren't using the plot and get someone new on. I sympathise with your situation but if you don't have any idea when you'll be fit and well again then the plot is just going to waste. I wouldn't have thought it would affect you having a plot in future but you'd end up at the back of the list again I suspect.
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Message 8
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
I agree with what is being said here. What a lot of people do not understand is that to keep a plot going takes a lot of work and planning. This year has been a nightmare for weeds and you have to keep at it all the time. Both sides of me i have people who can only come at weekends and their plots are full of grass gone to seed and weeds. This makes extra work for other plot holders because these weeds and grass seed blow onto everyone elses plots. I never say anything to the plotholders because they are under pressure from work committments. That is why the committee have to be harsh because plotholders will moan if plots get left in a bad state. If you only have a half plot it is not that big and would not take a fit person long to dig it out. I have dug my neighbours full plots many times. If yu cannot find a friend to help you i would pay someone then cover it for the winter in hope you will be better by spring. What ever happens it will not follow you to other sites but now you have a plot i would try to keep this one. By spring you should know if your foot is responding to treatment or not you may be glad of a gardening partner if it is not.
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Message 9
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
There is a lot of sensible advice here and a clear view of how it feels all round.
For future allotment holders and officials could I add that clear written communication is they key.
Committees should see that all allotment holders have been given the rules and regulations of the site and information about meetings and the regularity of inspections etc. The complaints and warnings system should be clear.
Allotment holders should communicate in writing any change in their status or any problems as soon as possible (not always easy if you feel ill but it is the only way to avoid escallation of the situation) with suggestions about what they plan to do or with requests for help or time.
Both sides could be seen as failing in their duty if the situation was not addressed until it became untennable.
I hope that I am not treading on any toes here or trying to teach grandmother to suck eggs.
All the best,
Summer -
Message 10
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Friday, 1st October 2010
I have now got some success with my 'bossy' allotment secretary. I did feel like I was being pushed out but after fighting my corner I now have an extra 2 months to see if my injury improves and I can dig as much as possible. I will also be getting some help from a fellow plot holder.
It has left a bit if a bitter taste in the mouth and I had thought about giving it all up. However, I didn't want what hard work I had already put in to go to waste. -
Message 11
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Friday, 1st October 2010
I am glad they have given you some more time and that you have help from another plotholder. In my experience you usually can get help on allotments if you have a problem through health or injury. I would try to be more positive about your bossy committee member. Sometimes you need people like that to keep things in some order or people walk all over you. You may have felt you were dealt with badly as you had an injury but there are others who give every excuse for not doing their plots. I have seen plenty of that over many years. I hope you get to enjoy all your hard work once you recover to enjoy your plot.
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Message 12
Posted by germinator (U13411914) on Saturday, 2nd October 2010
I am glad that you have not been evicted, I know how much I would miss my plot. I expect being the secretary is a difficult, thankless task and one which makes it impossible to please everyone. You still have time to sow 'green manure' grazing rye and winter beans.
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Message 13
Posted by boydzfish (U14633633) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
Why not hire a rotavator? If you have had the ground covered it should be friable enough for this and would resolve the problem of using your foot to dig - unless these are not allowed.
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Message 14
Posted by 711sammie (U14046421) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
I have to say there are some serious politics on some sites, mine included which I have benefited from. We have an 18month waiting list, and I secured another plot by way of a phone call to the head of the parks dept. I questioned why it was so easy for me to get another one, and the reply was that 8/10 people that take on a plot dont realise the amount of work involved and let it go to rack and ruin very quickly, and it takes the parks dept 6 months to evict someone in tune with local bylaws.
Nick, I would suggest a call to the one in charge as they probably think you have lost interest. Dont deal with the warden, they are generally cynical individuals who run an old boys network of back slapping and favours.
I hope this helps
Sammie -
Message 15
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
Ringing the head of parks dept is an interesting thought, I might just do that. The only problem is would they not have a record of me already having a plot and ask why I would want to move?
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Message 16
Posted by hereisabee (U2342191) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
As an allotment secretary I am in a position to advise. First of all, like much of what we say, the term secretary is an abbreviation, so you are dealing with the secretary to the committee. The chairman calls the meeting the secretary keeps records and implements the committee's decisions. Generally local authorities uphold committee decisions, so your best line of complaint is to the committee itself, ask to able to put forward your case at the next committee meeting. If you are still not satisfied you can call a EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) or if time permits ask for your case to be tabled during the next AGM.
Where their are long waiting lists secretaries are under pressure to wind up failing plots, but if you are committed (pun) then of course more time can be given.
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Message 17
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Sunday, 3rd October 2010
Thankyou for that advice. I am committed it's just that I have been unable to do as much as I wod gave liked through injury. I will hopefully be able to start work again in the next week or so and I have at least visited to keep strim and keep the weeds down.
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Message 18
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Monday, 4th October 2010
I have looked into getting a rotavator to help me turn over the soil so I don't have to do as much digging. The allotment society are ok with it but a couple of other plot holders have tried to put me off saying it will just multiply the weeds when chopping. However if this is going to be the only way I can do it then so be it I suppose.
Not rotavated before so a bit of advice please. There is a thickish layer of grass on the soil. Do I need to take this off then rotavate the soil or should I just rotavate it all? -
Message 19
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Monday, 4th October 2010
I definitely would not rotovate if you have weeds it will chop them into a thousand pieces and make more work for you. Also if you have a bad foot it would be stupid to even try to rotovate. Rotovaters are hard work and could give you more problems with your foot. I thought someone was going to help you dig your plot. If its only a half plot 45 feet its not a huge field. I could dig a half plot in a day if the weather was good. If it was my plot i would get someone willing to help pay them and get the problem solved you seem to be going from one solution to another without getting anything done.Its no good keep discussing ideas its best to solve the problem by doing something. I am sorry to sound harsh but i would have sorted this weeks ago if i was serious about keeping my half plot.
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Message 20
Posted by nooj (U13729031) on Monday, 4th October 2010
i think that may indeed be a little harsh LPM
Misfortune can happen to us all! -
Message 21
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Monday, 4th October 2010
Yes I definitely think you are harsh. I couldn't get it sorted weeks ago as you said you would have done as there was no indication there was a problem from the committee. I had left an area covered and was trying to do some digging when my foot allowed. I'm just trying to think of what is best as I've not done this type of thing before which is why I'm going over my options.
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Message 22
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Monday, 4th October 2010
And I am serious about keeping my plot which is why I had approached for help. Unfortunatley this has now not materialised.
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Message 23
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Monday, 4th October 2010
nick152
I am sorry if you feel my reply is harsh. I have read all your comments. Nearly every reply you have given is negative. You say at the beginning that you have had the plot 9 months. That you have dug a quarter of it which is about 10 feet. You say you work in sport so i assume before your foot injury you were fit and therefor it must be frustrating having an injury. The secretary is doing her job she has the whole site to take into account plus people on the waiting list.Your rude about the secretary. The person who was going to help you has withdrawn their offer. Maybe it is more about your attitude to people as to why they are not rushing to help you. We can all find reasons for not doing things but we have to ask ourselves is it because we do not really want to do it. -
Message 24
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Monday, 4th October 2010
I don't believe that calling someone 'bossy' is being rude. You said that the secretary was doing her job when in fact in an earlier post you said that I should have had several warnings, which I have not. Thanks anyway for your advice !!!
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Message 25
Posted by gone with the fairys (U14602461) on Monday, 4th October 2010
hi, sorry i would just like to chirp in
1, Secuterys and commitees (like in any business) can get very much on there high horse ( I know i was receptionis/secatery)the power just gose to your head
)
2, Customers are not always right and CAN come in with bad attitudes to beginn with.
3, Sorry for this but depending onyour age and sometimes gender you don't even have to open your mouth berfore you get it filled.
Yes we can all have a strop on either side and i do think by the sounds of things you have tried which they have not taken account for and as a newbie myself i would hope my commite would be a little understanding in the first year please dont give it up.... why not get some of your local children involved ( PERMISSION FIRST LOL) free work and they learn too they are always ways round things I KNOW I HAVE A MOTHER IN LAW FROM HELL...........BUT deep breaths and every one has a good time -
Message 26
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
I agree with LPM. I think you have been very quick to be rude about the secretary and committee.They have a thankless task and many people take on a commitment to have an allotment and then do nothing about it,much to the chagrin of other plotholders.
If you cannot work your plot,pay someone,get help or just cover it fully and effectively, then you should give it up.Surely the doctor would have told you when you could be able to dig again.I think you are just making excuses. -
Message 27
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
Lowena I think it is in fact you that are being rude. I take it from your tone that you must be involved with an allotment society or are friends with LPM. For your information I have not done 'nothing about it'. I have covered a fair bit of it but this is still not enough for the committee. To finish I am not making excuses and no the doctor has not give me a date when I can start again.
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Message 28
Posted by hereisabee (U2342191) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
These days plot sharing is quite common, perhaps you could have access to the waiting list and enquire if there is anyone who would like to share the plot with you. When crops do well I end up giving more than half the produce to friends and family anyway.
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Message 29
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
Nick152
Your latest reply just confirms to me that you just want to spend your time blaming everyone slse. I do not know you or anyone else on this thread. Many people have given you advice on here but you just keep coming back with another reason why you cannot do it. Committees cannot evict you without good reason and certainly not after one letter. I would suggest you use your energy not on this board but down your allotment. Ten feet in 9 months injured or not is no excuse. There has been great weather and plenty of jobless people who would help and also many more who would jump at your half plot.Plots are to grow on and there are people who need to grow food in this current financial crisis. -
Message 30
Posted by nickl52 (U7017713) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
Thank you for your kind words LPM. It's nice to know you are concerned for my welfare and have bothered to offer advice, it's much appreciated.
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Message 31
Posted by Fallow14 (U14637504) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
A very interesting thread with 2 people who seem to disagree a fair amount. I can see both sides really, and can see why londonplantmad Is a little frustrated. I also wondered how serious Nickl52' s foot injury is and whether it is bad enough to keep him from working or is it just as was suggested an excuse not to do any work?
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Message 32
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
I give up on this one. I think it is very odd when people ask advise. They are then given several replies all quite sympathetic and helpful in my view. They then come back moaning about why things are not going the way they want without doing much to rectify the situation. I can remember the last thread when Nick hurt his foot he was given lots of sympathetic advise i wonder if he followed any of them up. I have sympathy which most people but its runs thin once they become rude and sarcastic. Funny thing is i have lots of helpful friends but i do not bite the hand that feeds me.
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Message 33
Posted by gone with the fairys (U14602461) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
NOTE..... AT THE BEGINING,,, LOT HAD BEEN IN BAD STATE AND NOT CULTERVATED FOR NUMERUS YEARS...so her comes this chap as far as i guessed not done much in the way of gardening befor and learning as going ( correct me if i am wrong), severel months down the line he recives a injury in wivh pervents him from maintaining his plot and inform the commitee, trys to protcts and keep tidy plot to only recive an eviction notice. He then come on here to voice concerns and recive advice to in MY OPPION be shot down,
I think a many of us have had situations were you think you have been mistreated/falsly accused and gone on the defense
And calling some one beep beep beep old crow that is being rude not bossy ( which by the way i think was more of nik's oppion )
there was also comments of only talkin abour it and not doing anything HAVE YOU SEEN THE WEATEHR LATLY were i am there has been thunder stoms almost everyday and he was!! HENCH THE UPDATES OF WHAT HAD BEEN GOING ON i do belive gettin advice on using a rotervator or not comes under that heading
There proberly is a lot more i can say but would not like offend anyone
people might be able to turn over a plot in a day or so after time of getting use to it, it has taken me two days to turn my little front garden over which is 10/12ft and due to a permanant illness it can take its tole it is just silly to critisise someone on how fast they work
right i'll shut up now .... GOOD LUCK ON YOUR ALLOTMENT AND HOPE YOU ARE IN BETTER HEALTH SOON
DONNA
(apologie if you are a girlie (he/his) -
Message 34
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Tuesday, 5th October 2010
Please don't shout,Donna - it's rude.
I am a middle aged woman, who works full time in a sedentary occupation. I managed to dig over a half allotment plot ( for a friend) in a weekend.To have had it all that time without knocking it into shape ( before the injury) shows a complete lack of commitment and intent.To then ask for advice and rubbish any given advice which does not back up your martyred view of the situation, is foolhardy and shortsighted in the extreme.I'm not surprised that you find no one willing to help you - you'll either have to pay or give up the plot.As your heart does not seem to be in the enterprise, why not let it go and give someone, who would really enjoy working the plot, a go? Only fair really -
Message 35
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Wednesday, 6th October 2010
I thought you helpful posters might like to know that Nick has another thread started a few days ago. He has asked for advise on digging out a garden pond. Obviously he is greatly recovered from his foot injury. I hope he has dug his plot as well or he may be getting a second letter from the secretary of his allotment.
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Message 36
Posted by Lowena (U14575314) on Wednesday, 6th October 2010
Perhaps Nick is a "mudraker" in both senses of the word
Thanks for the warning - hope he does the decent thing and relinquishes his half plot....someone will be glad to make use of it
Best foot forward Nick -
Message 37
Posted by gone with the fairys (U14602461) on Wednesday, 6th October 2010
Rude maybe but i do beleive that i am not the only messanger on here that is guilty of that......
What has confused my self is that lpm was very supportive and gave very well advice and then when someone sugeested a rotervator and niki enquired about it he got a mouthfull, called lazy and told to give up his plot... and there is no dimentions of plot size so to suggest that he has only done 10ft (in which he could very well have) is a bit of a crystal ball gig, plot sizes do very....
He might not have got the best advice when he first aquired the plot adn he could have posably done more but that is how ppl learn,
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