my own Countdown

[zazen999]

Sorry AP, just seen this after your land rant.

Someone has obviously got to him. Nasty business. Can't imagine how gutted you just be feeling.

[Tripmeup]

Jeez AP, REALLY SORRY to hear that...What a downer!!

But, if you are (as you say) of a mind to let it lie now, then you are probably right to look for some peace of mind and not have this hanging over you any more...

Look only forwards now and hopefully you will get a plot somewhere convenient ASAP and then begin the nicer things like planning it out as you want it etc....Hopefully something positive to look to....

If I could buy you a pint of Guinness (or two) and a malt chaser I would

[Aberdeenplotter]

Kenny,

don't know if you are aware but there is ongoing a public consultation about allotments as a prelude to the first change in legislation in 60 years in Scotland. I'll see if I can find a link to the consultation documents and get that to you. Do make your thoughts known.

What really grates with me is the Scottish Government has confirmed that regulations are unenforceable without formal confirmation yet Aberdeens regulation for rent has effectively been enforced by default. Suckerpunched sums it up.

[snohare]

How to undermine every single bit of protective allotment legislation with one single finding...!
I'm fair heartsick for you, Frank. I think we all feel suckerpunched.
Well, nil nisi illegitimum carborundum...this too will pass.
The only consolation I can offer is, I have moved growing site more often than I care to remember, and after the sandbagged feeling and "where do I start" comes the excitement of starting afresh.
You know I am available during the week, if you need me - just give me a couple of days notice. You don't have to do all the preparation on your own.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Kenny,

unfortunately, the way the Sheriff Principal sees it, the law is totally clear. In terms of section 1 Allotments(Scotland)Act 1922 a Local Authority can give notice to quit for no reason. Doesn't matter if rent is not fair or if Regulations are made but not confirmed or if rent increases are unlawful. If they want to get rid of you, they can get rid just by giving 12 months notice which was done. I'm not presently minded to take this further. It's been ongoing for more than 5 years now with the Court proceedings active for a year. Too many sleepless nights worry at the problem. I'll concentrate on getting somewhere to grow and in fact a customer has offered a piece of ground. She is over 80 though so if I take that offer up, the arrangement might not be for too long. There is also a local allotment site where the rent is �24 a year for a full sized plot compared to �77 for a council plot. I have already asked if they have any vacancies.

I have local contacts who I can call on for help but a huge thanks to those folks offering and of course to everyone on the vine who have expressed support along the way.

On the plus side, many of the things that were wrong with the Council's management of its allotments have been sorted out as a result of me digging in my heels so at least I have that satisfaction.

[snohare]

�*%& !!!


Is there some way to appeal this ? Surely you would qualify for help, in a case that defines case law ? Do Public Interest Lawyers operate in Scotland ? What grounds did the Sherriff give for his findings ? It really does fly in the face of his previous points...seems like something that invites an appeal on the grounds of error. It just does not make sense.

Give us a shout AP and can organise to meet you and shift whatever you need us to

Likewise for help from me. If you want, I can speak to the folks who were growing on the Chinese takeaway ground next to mine, see if they would be happy to house your fruit bushes etc. They seem to be pretty clueless and to have lost interest in doing much, so... maybe, maybe...the uncertainty is a b-----d isn't it !
Let me know timescales Frank. I'm certainly available this Saturday.
Was I you, I'd be on the Landshare site.

[veggiechicken]

Right guys. At resumed hearing today, despite everything that was said by the Sheriff Principal at the last hearing, he rejected my appeal and I will have to surrender my allotments.

The bottom line is that in Scotland, a Local Authority can give 12 months notice to an allotment tenant for no reason irrespective of how far they are in the wrong about rent and about any other factors.

I am gutted.

Sorry about going back to this, but have they served you with notice to quit?
I'm desperately trying to think of ways in which you don't have to give up your plot

[Potstubsdustbins]

S H one T So sorry mate, I can't say what I really feel as I would be banned for life.

Colin

[Bigmallly]

I'm gutted for you pal, totally lost for words, wish I lived closer to give a helping hand.

[out in the cold]

Yeah, no problems.

Give us a shout AP and can organise to meet you and shift whatever you need us to

You needing a helping hand AP? I am sure me and OITC may be able to spare a few hrs on Saturday. (I am working on Sundays ).

[KittyColdNose]

You needing a helping hand AP? I am sure me and OITC may be able to spare a few hrs on Saturday. (I am working on Sundays ).

[Bren In Pots]

Sorry to hear the outcome AP

[Sheneval]

Sorry to hear this sad news AP - rotten result for you.

[SarzWix]

I'm lost for words too Evil b*****ds. If you can think of anything at all we can do to help, you know we'll fall over ourselves. Much love to you from here x

[Aberdeenplotter]

Bottomline is I just have to live with this. I have a tunnel + two sheds and two greenhouses to empty and clear probably in a short period of time which is the biggest problem with all of this. There is also the matter of moving my fruit bushes to ermhh some where goodness knows where.