Month: September 2023

The recent weather has been perfect for the rapid growth of weeds, and it’s a fact of the terms of tenancy, that the responsibility for keeping these paths weed-free and usable rests jointly with the holders of the adjoining plots, but not with either PPAA Committee or with the Council – unlike the position with the trackways.

It might assist some to remember then, that it’s also a fact that PPA – like the rest of Cardiff allotment sites – isn’t an organic site. Plot holders are therefore entitled to use chemical weed suppressant if convenient or expedient in the maintenance of these paths. So PPAA Committee understand – on that basis – that no one should hinder or harass any plot holder so doing. If the occupant of an adjoining plot wished to ensure that no splashes whatsoever went onto their plot, then the option is always fully open to them to maintain the path in a weed-free condition themselves.

Where the paths are grass, tenants are encouraged to share the burden of their cutting co-operatively. Where, however, someone refuses to do that, there is no rule which says that the grass must be retained.

Everyone is reminded, that even if they are fortunate enough not to need to use these paths, their neighbours may very well need them for access to their plots and to water troughs, and so it’s very important that they not be blocked by encroaching compost heaps, or by junk etc. either.

Where Is The Big Heap, and how did it arise?

The very large pile – mainly of fly tipping – is on the southwest part of plot 50. Other parts of plot 50’s historic area have been, by proper process and recognised by the Council, assimilated into adjoining plots 48a and 48b, and the ever-growing heap is now encroaching on their long-suffering tenants – besides being an eyesore and source of weed nuisance to them.

The heap arose because some years ago, the then PPAA Committee had the well-intentioned idea – as an experiment – of using this plot’s shady portion as a collective composting heap. The idea was that volunteers would process the compost – as it rotted – into a useful product, and that it would be kept under control. However, it quickly became clear that the huge amounts of waste rapidly dumped there – and its containing general rubbish and not just biomass – could not be processed in that way, and so the experiment was abandoned – as publicised several times in previous Committee Minutes.

Human nature and wishful thinking being what it is though, along with the genie being well and truly out of its bottle, and thanks to a safety-in-numbers sense, quite numerous tenants have continued to fly tip their waste on this heap, rather than to comply with Provision 17 of their Tenancy Agreement.

It’s as well to make clear, that PPAA Committee would be acting completely beyond their powers if they purported or implied that they were able to waive any term in tenants’ Agreements. It’s perhaps the case then, with hindsight, that this experiment implied just that.

So to be absolutely clear once again, there are no collective composting areas anywhere on the PPA site, and people who tip their waste anywhere other than on their own plots or remove it from site are simply fly-tipping. This needn’t cause a serious difficulty for anyone however. During the growing season, Cardiff Council collect garden waste from domestic properties and they will, within reason, empty any number of the large white woven bags. PPAA Committee know of at least one plot holder who does not have a car, and who uses a cycle trailer to take their waste vegetation home for disposal in this manner.

What is proposed to be done?

PPAA Committee have decided to pay private contractors to remove the waste. It appears that two may be required – one to deal with the unrotted, “green” waste, and another to remove that which resembles soil. The cost will likely be well into four figures, so it will use a large slice of PPAA’s Annual Grant.

It is proposed to display notices on both gates, as well as by the site of the former heap itself, reminding all plot holders that there are no collective compost facilities, and that all such fly-tipping must cease promptly. The freed space will either be offered to the tenants of adjoining plots 48a and 48b, or form a reinstated plot 50 – in part or whole. So the land should become privately occupied in short order. All plot holders are expected therefore, to show it the due respect that they would for any other such occupied plot.

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Martin Pasek, Robert Loxton, Lewis Evans, Gordon Goldsmith

Apologies: Dan Hostler

Previous Minutes:

Meeting date 31st July 2023: Previously approved. 

Actions from previous meeting

Items to be addressed as the agenda.

Chair Report

• The 4-wheel trolley has been recovered but now needs a little attention resulting from being dumped into the Taff. Thanks to Cardiff Rivers volunteers who helped and provided a trailer to return it to site.
• The poly tunnel has been repaired. Thanks to John Morgan who assisted.

Site Representative 

• Council. 

Meeting of Site Representatives held 16^th August 2023. Salient points of discussion as follows:

1. A specific query regarding antisocial behaviour or unwanted attention between plot holders was raised with the Allotment Officer and the Parks Community Safety Officer who stated that individual concerns should be addressed by the plot holder directly with the police for particularly serious matters or otherwise with the Council. Committees have no power or responsibility to intervene.
2. Termination Notices issued by the Council will be copied to the associated committee.
3. The updated Allotment Strategy might be issued this month.
4. The Allotment Office has now got access to more detailed water bills for each site enabling better identification of leaks or excessive use.

• PPA

As agenda 

Treasurer’s report

As agenda items

Site Security

Quotations will shortly be received for options to install camera monitoring of main access gates also to install a physical security deterrent to the top of each gate to make climbing more difficult.

Discussion took place regarding other potential vulnerable points in the perimeter fencing.

Sadly, the gates are still being left unlocked overnight which makes crime prevention difficult.

Plot Inspections

Rob and Richard will carry out final inspections of plots recently issued with a Notice of Non-cultivation (11 issued) on Thursday 7^th Sept. If still no progress, then the plot will be referred to The Allotment Office for action.

The whole procedure will be reviewed for introduction in 2024 season.

Plot Vacancies, letting and structure applications.

Sue reported the following movement since the last meeting:

5 new tenants

2 tenants requesting to relocate.

1 prospective tenant has declined to continue and 1 considering waiting a while longer.

2 vacant plots waiting viewings. 

Waste disposal

Wendy advised that the contractor to remove the large waste heap hopes to start 14^th Sept but he would not be be able to remove green waste.

Richard advised that he would be meeting a contractor this week regarding the removal of a pile of shed debris.

Manure

No further update regarding a delivery.

Poly tunnel allocations 2024

6 grow beds will become available in the New Year and the process of application and draw will begin shortly.

Shop

Richard is pursuing a Group Account with Thomson and Morgan which offers discounts up to 50% catalogue prices. If still available, autumn planting onion sets and garlic will be procured. Spring seed potatoes will be reserved.

Hedgehog boxes

Wendy has procured 4 units which will be positioned on site.

Tool replacement

Martin has identified suitable replacements.

Any Other Business

Nothing further to report

Date of next meeting

19:00 Tuesday 17^th October 2023 at Butcher’s Arms Canton.