Accrington Web - Allotments

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 964789)

A lot less than that but is that the issue?

How much do other recreational facilities in the Borough cost?

Does Hyndburn Sports Centre make enough money to fund itself or are Hyndburn Borough Council still giving money to the Leisure Trust?

Are the rent increase in line with increases for other leisure activities in Hyndburn? - That is why the court case I linked the case notes to was lost by the council and won by the allotment holders.

Twas an innocently asked question Neil - nothing was meant to be inferred.

Gardening is great excercise and gives people a lot of satisfaction as well as producing something useful/beautiful. It's good to get out-of-doors and I imagine that there will be quite a good social life for those who use them. I know that there has also been quite an increase in demand for allotments all over the UK, from things seen on TV, and apparently a lot of people are now also keeping bees on them too which is a very good thing.

Presumably most of the expenditure for regeneration is a one-off on improvements which will last for many years. Rent money coming in must cover a part of regular maintenance, but I can't understand why most of the work is done by outside contractors and not council parks staff -that would surely be cheaper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 964791)

Twas an innocently asked question Neil - nothing was meant to be inferred.

I know it was and I was being careful answering, I am involved with local community groups and I don't want people thinking I am commenting anything but my own person views. I do know the figures for last years expenditure and what was taken in rents but it is HBC's place to quote them not mine. Hopefully it will be mentioned at tonights meeting. I wanted to attend but its my son's confirmation at the same time so I wont make it. I don't like second hand information from biased parties.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 964791)

I know that there has also been quite an increase in demand for allotments all over the UK, from things seen on TV, and apparently a lot of people are now also keeping bees on them too which is a very good thing.

That is part of the problem. A few years ago when people did not want allotments they were rented out at very low prices just so they were taken. Some tenants had more than one allotment because they were so cheap. Now there is a massive waiting list, about a year ago it was well over 100 for the allotments at Heys in Ossy alone. The Council have a legal responsibility to make allotments available for those who want them under an act of law. unfortunately there is no time limit placed on the local authority finding new allotments and this is the game Hyndburn are playing.

Looking at the tenancy agreement I have seen keeping bees on an allotment is not permitted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 964791)

Presumably most of the expenditure for regeneration is a one-off on improvements which will last for many years. Rent money coming in must cover a part of regular maintenance, but I can't understand why most of the work is done by outside contractors and not council parks staff -that would surely be cheaper.

The Parks and Open Spaces Dept do not have the staff to do this work. They don't have enough staff or funding to look after our parks and green spaces to a reasonable standard either but that is another issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 964789)

Just as a comparison, how much are the gypsy's charged in rents at the sites that have been provided for them.
If allotment rents do go up, to the amount wanted by the robbers at the clown hall, then it would be far cheaper buying veg at any supermarket, after you've bought all the seeds, tools & all the other stuff to work your allotment, your own veg must cost a packet..
Retlaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw (Post 964805)

I have no idea what they are charged sorry. That is not really the issue though, increasing the rents by the amount suggested has been proven in court to be wrong. The legal aspect aside, Hyndburn need to look at what other local Councils are charging and then see if they can justify those increases.

Is that all allotments are about though, saving money compared to buying veg?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw (Post 964805)

How very true, but to some folk it isn't about cheap veg', it's their enjoyment.

Perhaps the question needs to be asked, how come rents for allotments were allowed to drag behind for so long until the present administration is left with no choice but to bring it in line with other expenses that also need paying for?

(perhaps the former leader had a secret garden?).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less (Post 964810)

I dont think it was not just one administration in power for the last 10 years. I think it has more to do with people not wanting them until recently so they kept the rent low to encourage people to use them. That is a bit of a guess though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 964809)

No not at all, I have my own allotment, I like growing onions & tomato's, but at the end of the day, they've cost more than shop bought ones. I'm just adding a point about the increased cost of growing food on a council owned allotment.

Bootstrap are sub-contracted by A4E & Ingeus to deliver the work programme. This is where people are sent after claiming JSA & ESA for x amount of time, this idea was set up the government, they work with the claimants for 2 yrs. They rcv so much funding per person & of course huge bonuses for getting people into employment. They get paid good wages to of course.

Any information from the meeting, I was in Church all evening watching my son's confirmation so could not make the meeting?