Present
Mrs H Klaassen (Allotment Committee Chairman)
Mrs A Butcher (Allotment Committee Vice Chairman)
Mr M Rollé (Parish Council Chairman)
Mrs M Weston (Clerk to the Council)
33 tenants
1. Chairman’s Introduction
Mrs Klaassen welcomed tenants and said that she hoped that they would give their views during the meeting.
2. Vermin Control
Whilst the Parish Council recognized that it was important to deal with the problem of rats in the Allotment Gardens it was also felt that allotment holders had a duty to adopt good husbandry at the same time which should include raising of shed bases and cutting back all undergrowth. Various methods to combat the rat problem were discussed, ie
· Allotment holders to bait their plots on the same day each month and then not feed chicken pellets to their chickens for an allotted time (pellets contain vitamin K which is an antidote to rat killer).
It was stated that the Parish Council could not provide rat killer and this would have to be purchased by allotment holders.
· That the idea of bringing feral cats onto the site be explored.
Someone would have to feed them and look after their well being. There would be an increase in feline excrement on site.
· The use of ferrets.
RESOLVED: That the various methods be explored and reported back as soon as possible.
3. Central Meeting Place/Noticeboard
The Chairman reported that money had been set aside in the 2010/2011 Parish Council budget for the provision of a central meeting place/noticeboard and an allotment holder had agreed that part of their plot could be used to site the building.
It was felt that this would help to promote a sense of community.
Discussion took place and it was noted that those present were not, in general, in favour of either a central meeting place or a noticeboard.
It was felt that the present noticeboard was adequate although the Clerk pointed out that it was in a very poor condition and virtually impossible to open.
RESOLVED: That this matter be held in abeyance for the time being.
4. Regular Plot Inspections and Follow-Ups
The Chairman stated that regular plot inspections would take place monthly from April to October each year. Action would be taken where allotment holders were not adhering to guidelines.
Following discussion it was agreed that inspections would be held alternately between weekdays and weekends to enable allotment holders to be present if they so wished.
5. Allotment Numbering
It was noted that over the years with subdivision of plots the allotment numbering had become somewhat erratic.
RESOLVED: That Allotment Number 9 become Allotment Number 1 and that numbers follow on from each other around the perimeter of the allotment gardens finishing at the Westwood Road gate.
6. Register of Contact Details
The Clerk was preparing a list of contact details. Many allotment holders had sent in their details but others were reminded to do so as soon as possible as it was important to have as much information as possible, particularly as it was sometimes necessary to contact allotment holders quickly.
7. Any Other Business
(a) Allotment Competition. It was generally considered that this had been successful. Suggestions for this year included having a prize for the best newcomer and making the presentation on a Sunday at the allotment gardens, perhaps with a barbecue.
(b) Date of Next Meeting. It was agreed that the Clerk would book a room at the Community Centre for the beginning of June.
(c) Parish Council Finances re Allotments. In answer to a question from Mr Wright the Clerk stated that the Parish Council’s financial statement was available to all and passed a copy of the proposed allotment finances for 2010/2011 to Mr Wright.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting. |
