MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 26TH APRIL 2023 AT THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
Members present:
Cllr K Burn
Cllr J Foster, (Chairman)
Cllr A Iley
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr P S Vaughan
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Mrs A Brindley Parish Clerk, Mr D L Nicholson (DPC), Mr D Iley FO and 9 members of the public
A001/22 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr H Allsopp and Cllr G Huntley (family commitments) The meeting agreed that these were proper reasons for absence.
A002/22 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE
PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE
INTEREST(S).
None declared
A003/22 3. TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE 25 APRIL 2022
The meeting agreed the minutes represented a true record of the meeting, authorising they be signed as such by the Chairman and placed in the public domain.
A004/22 4. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
A005/22 5. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR 2022/23
Cllr J Foster being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Chair for the council year 2022/23
A005/21 A006/22 6. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR FOR 2022/23.
Cllr K Burn being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair for the council year 2022/23
.
A007/22 7. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
There were not any non allotment related questions from the public
.
A008/22 8. TENANT OPEN FORUM
A009/22 9. TENANTS OPEN FORUM
Issues discussed:
- Vacant allotment plots
There are currently 6 vacant plots, officers are meeting with new tenants to discuss plans to encourage quicker cultivation.
- New timetable for rental period
The suggestion to move the invoicing year to January to December was agreed. The invoices for 2024 will reflect the shorter year. This change will give new tenants the time to prepare plot for new season.
- Unauthorised access to site
Concerns remain regarding unauthorised access to the site through unlocked gates. Members were concerned that tenants should feel safe on site and asked that they bring to the attention of staff including providing time and dates anyone who is not locking the gate.
It was agreed that the Parish Clerk should write out to all tenants to reinforce this. Tenants have to look out for each other and by not locking the gate they are putting other people at risk. If tenants are willing to provide evidence of tenants not locking the gate, the offenders will be evicted.
- Fence alongside ditch by willows
Tenants advised the meeting that the perimeter fence alongside he willows side is subsiding because of proximity to the ditch. Officers had looked at this after the previous meeting and noted it was leaning but was still firm.
- Access to willow field
The meeting brought to attention that the latch into the willows field has been sawn off. There is now open access to the field.
- Access road to main gate
Vehicular access to the allotment site is over an unadopted stretch of road. The condition of this road continues to cause concern. The Parish Council is not responsible for the upkeep of this road but is exploring the best option to purchase filings and have it laid.
RESOLVED:
- The Parish Clerk to bring into tenancy the 6 vacant plots as soon as possible
- To invoice in December 2023
- To contact Northumberland County Council regarding the willows encroachment into the drainage system and the access to the willow field
- To write to all tenants regarding the locking of gates
The meeting closed at 19.45, at the conclusion of this item, there being no further business to be transacted.
Chairman……………………………………………… Date………………………