Increase in allotment waiting times

[geoff]

When I got my allotment about 3 years ago the waiting time was about 6 months
We hear of increased waiting times all over the country, so when I was in town a couple of weeks ago out of curiosity I called in at the council offices and asked what the current waiting times were. They said 'just over 2 years, probably closer to 2 and a half'

Moral: if you're even thinking about an allotment, get your name down asap. you can always decline when the time comes, but you can't turn back the clock

[LizyDrippin]

Thats if you can get on a waiting list.

The allotments in "my area" won't let me on the lists because I don't live in the immediate area

There's a big area of waste ground behind my house, if it wasn't for the fact it's been used as a dogs toilet for the last fifty years I would fence it off and take it over

[allotmentlady]

Its gone up to 5 years in chorley, mind you we have a slow council........i now KNOW they are deaf, cos anything I protest gets ignored.....its ridiculous

[FionaH]

I am currently number 65!

[Serendipity]

We're currently no's 7 and 8 on our local allotments waiting lists, not too bad considering we've only been on a year (and started at no 20). However, when I rang them today to chase again, I was told that some of the allotments under the same council (Tynemouth etc) have a NINE year list!!!!!

[blackkitty]

We're number three on the waiting list at our local lotties. We are working one with our neighbours at the moment and hoped to get the one next to them which was largely untouched, however when we went up yesterday the owners had been up and cleared to small beds at one end, about all they did last year as well The secretary has said that they will be kicking a few people off soon for not working the plots, there do seem to be a few cases where one person has two plots but aren't working them much at all, probably about half a plots worth in all.

[bubblewrap]

When we got our allotment in September 2005 there was no waiting list we got our plot within a month of applying.
See below for waiting time now.

http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/allotments

[Eyren]

When we got our allotment in September 2005 there was no waiting list we got our plot within a month of applying.
See below for waiting time now.

Charnwood Borough Council - Parks and Open Spaces - Allotments

Even so, it looks like Charnwood are better than a lot of councils. Clearing your new plot for free? Luxury! Mind you, we did get a hefty rent discount on our overgrown plotlet, and no waiting list to speak of back in 2006, because the two people in front of us didn't get back to the secretary (probably put off by the weeds!)

[Mrs Dobby]

When we applied for our lottie (September 2006) we went down to the plot to meet up with the girl from the council (who also has a plot on there), and waited all of 5 minutes before we were given the plot! We even had a choice of 2 plots!! There was no waiting list and lots of plots that weren't being worked at all!

3 months later we were offered a 2nd half plot as it was being given up and there was no-one who wanted it!

Last year our neighbour gave up, and we swapped our 2nd half plot for the full plot next to our original plot, so now have 2 plots together.

Now we have a waiting list of approx 15 (I think) and those that arent working their plots are being targeted to either start working it, give up half a plot or to give it up completely!

I know there are those who will think we should offer to give up one of our plots to allow others a chance to grow, but after spending 2 years clearing them, utilising all the growing space every year, I'm afraid we need the space for all our crops!

[moppet_217]

I know someone that has been on a list in yorkshire for 10 years and hardley moved at all.

We have been on the list for our closest allotments for nearly two years. Have gone from about 15th to 7th. So looking at arond this time next year for a plot.

I was getting really impatient so looked around and have taken on a plot about 20 minutes away a few months ago. There was a waiting list for up to 5 years for workered plots but no list for overgrown plots! We have spent that last few months working away and have nearly cleared and beded out 1/2 the plot.

Makes me wonder how much effort the people will put in when they get thier "worked plots"

[Eyren]

There was a waiting list for up to 5 years for worked plots but no list for overgrown plots!

Funny, that...

Makes me wonder how much effort the people will put in when they get thier "worked plots"

If they don't, that's another overgrown plot just begging for a new, hard-working tenant!

[spennysaint]

same here, Therre is a two year waiting list for plots but no waiting list for the overgrown plots that don't yet look like plots but bramble bushes. I've taken an overgrown one as i figured that if i was gonna wait two years i'd just as well start clearing one!!

[Gwen11ian]

Around here they aren't even taking names anymore! They say it will be a ten year wait at the moment!!

[Burnzie]

I have an allotment on a council run site in Sunderland consisting of 23 plots. When I got my plot twenty years ago you had to be proposed and seconded by two existing members of the allotment association. They were in effect vouching that you would work the plot and keep it in good order. All twenty three plots were well tended.

The council stopped this method of allocation about ten years ago and they now control the waiting list. As a result we have had a succession of tennants who have worked their plot for a few months then given up. The plots then lie untouched for a couple of years and become overgrown with bramble and couch, making it even harder for the next tennant.

Eleven of the twenty three plots are now unworked and in an overgrown state even though there is a considerable waiting list. Its a great shame to my mind all due to poor management by the local council.

regards

Burnzie

Burnzie

[daleclarke]

When we applied for our lottie (September 2006) we went down to the plot to meet up with the girl from the council (who also has a plot on there), and waited all of 5 minutes before we were given the plot! We even had a choice of 2 plots!! There was no waiting list and lots of plots that weren't being worked at all!

3 months later we were offered a 2nd half plot as it was being given up and there was no-one who wanted it!

Last year our neighbour gave up, and we swapped our 2nd half plot for the full plot next to our original plot, so now have 2 plots together.

Now we have a waiting list of approx 15 (I think) and those that arent working their plots are being targeted to either start working it, give up half a plot or to give it up completely!

I know there are those who will think we should offer to give up one of our plots to allow others a chance to grow, but after spending 2 years clearing them, utilising all the growing space every year, I'm afraid we need the space for all our crops!

Could you not give up 1/2 a plot and help someone into being a Allotment holder, they could then move up later and your plot will still be yours... Our local Council have said that there is a caveat in the Allotment act that says you can only have one Allotment space, so they have been very active on reducing 2/3 plot ownership.