Walk round Manea allotments Saturday October 17.

 

Present were: Vince Newman, chair; Madeleine Newman, Steve Finigan, Tommy Donegan (groundsman), Nicola Leach, Bramwell Mans, Roger and Jackie(?) and Sarah Cliss.

 

• Vince outlined plans for the entrance area of the allotments: It was agreed a sign should go up showing plot numbers and the names of the holders - the possibility of a photo of the plot holder was also considered to help identify those who are entitled to be on site.

• Agreed a notice should go up on manure bins asking people to fill from the back - if this does not work then a railing fence will be considered.

• Tyres are to be moved, painted and filled with plants to create a welcoming scene in the car park area.

• Area to left of trading post to be cleared and used as a members' recycling area - notice warning people not to just dump rubbish will be put up.

• Trading post to be painted and glazed. More publicity about the suggestion box and first aid kit inside is to be put on the website - also possible notice asking members not to just dump lots of unwanted plant pots in the building.

• The chippings bin is to be painted.

• Tommy suggested laying some extra gravel to side of car park to create two more parking spaces on area of corner, which is currently muddy.

• Rubbish to side of trading post will be removed when association is given free skip from Mick George - awaiting outcome of application. If unsuccessful, then association will consider hiring one.

• Access gate is to be lifted and wheels attached to make it easier to use.

• Plot A1a is to be turned into community plot, with table and barbecue facilities for members' to use. Notice warning it's a members only facility will be put up. Current community plot will be marked out as a three-quarters plot and rented.

• Tommy has volunteered to be groundsman and will have the association's equipment including: strimmer, lawnmower and rotavator. He has been given second plot rent free for his contribution to maintaining site.

• There was discussion over reinstatement of pathways between plots. Agreed stakes will be put in to show boundaries. Plot holders are responsible for maintaining path to left of their plots, this will be publicised on website.

• Plot holders who have two plots side by side can keep them together without path between, but must reinstate pathway if/when they relinquish plot.

• Vacant plots were discussed, it was also agreed that more should be done to encourage people to maintain their plots with a three strikes and you're out approach. Verbal warning asking politely to tidy plot, written warning, final warning - told to leave allotments. People with extenuating circumstances (eg ill health), to be given some lee-way.

• Vacant plots will be offered to those on the waiting list. One or two plots are currently leased, but unclear whether they are being retained as no info has been forthcoming from holders - Vince/Madeleine will look into those.

• Plot A9 is currently inhabited by foxes, agreed this should be retained as nature plot to encourage foxes to stay, as they are useful for keeping rabbit and rat population down.

• Those seeking a second plot, may only be considered if they have a proven track record of maintaining their current plot - this will be relayed to those seeking a second plot currently.

• Boundary hedging/trees - it was agreed to look at gaining more hedging through the Woodland Trust.

• It was agreed association will look into more grant aid to help finance various projects - Sarah will contact Ellie Buckton re-Healthy Fenland grants.

• Members of association will be asked to join working parties planned to carry out work such as the tyre/planting in the car park.Walk round lasted around 90 minutes.

 

 

-