Present: Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton
Apologies: Dan Hostler, Gordon Goldsmith, Lewis Evans
Previous Minutes:
Meeting date 4th July 2023: Approved.
Matters arising from previous meeting:
- It was noted that the main hedge had been trimmed lightly and the surplus stone from the wall repair had been collected and retain for potential future repairs.
Other items arising to be addressed as the agenda.
Chair Report
Covered by agenda items.
Site Representative
- Council
Council contractors have completed a repair to the underground water pipe which had suffered substantial damage from stones resulting from poor original installation. The making good of the road is not good but it is unlikely that it will be improved.
- PPA
As agenda
Treasurer’s report
As agenda items
Plot Inspections
Rob and Richard have undertaken inspections of poorly managed plots.
35 Notices of Concern have been issued. There are 9 plots where there has been no response or improvement and these have now been issued with Notices of Termination. This gives the plot holder a further 28 days to carry out work otherwise the Council may terminate the tenancy agreement.
Further inspections will carry on for the remaining notified plots where positive intentions to improve have been expressed.
Plot Vacancy/Letting and Structure Application
Sue advised that, since the last meeting, 6 plots have been let to potential new plot holders, there are currently 3 vacant plots awaiting viewings and there has been 1 application to construct a poly tunnel.
Site Security
Sadly, there has been another unauthorised site entry and theft. Private sheds have been accessed and the door of shop container has been forced open together with damage to window boarding and steel wire guards. Items have been stolen from within the container and the 4-wheel trolley is also missing.
The poly tunnel which was recently re-clad was maliciously damaged during the incident.
Richard is pursuing a quote for cctv which would have to be solar powered.
Martin is investigating tool replacement.
Richard and another plot holder will obtain repair tape and work on the poly tunnel.
Post meeting note: Rob and Martin have carried out a repair to the wooden door.
Access to the site remains a serious concern and the main access gates have repeatedly been found open early in the morning. This is possibly careless locking by a plot holder the evening before, or the intruders have access to a key.
With apologies to the diligent, all plot holders must ensure they securely close the gates with every access and egress.
Skips and Waste Disposal
Wendy has received a quote to remove the large pile of accumulated green waste. This pile covers what were originally viable plots 48/50 and it is intended to return the area to working status allowing more people to benefit from an allotment.
The quote is based on a set number of off-site disposal trips and the Committee approved the expenditure subject to setting a maximum spend.
Richard will separately contact a waste disposal contractor regarding the removal of various piles of shed debris.
Manure delivery
There is no update regarding delivery although the stables pit will shortly be full hopefully prompting a delivery.
Shop stock
It was noted that the stock of 2.4m canes is now exhausted.
Any Other Business
The Committee approved Wendy’s proposal to obtain and position some more hedgehog boxes.
Date of next meeting
Committee: 19:00 Tuesday 5th September 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.
