The survey set up by the council is supposed to be our chance to have our say about the next developments in allotment management. However the survey itself raises some very trenchant questions.
If you've already filled in your survey, you won't be able to see the questions again as you'll be locked out. A rough copy of the survey questions can be seen HERE
Allotment rental. We are given only one choice here - how would you like to pay your huge increase? A five-fold increase now, or tomorrow? Or would you prefer to give up your plot? What a choice to be offered!
We would like to ask the council if all health and wellbeing amenities offered by the local authority are totally self-financing. And how does this fit with the large amount planned to revamp the bandstand in the town centre? Every study shows that allotments have huge benefits to mental and physical health - benefits the council is supposed to support. Take a look at the page for Ashford Health and Wellbeing Board - also on the council's website!
We would also like to know if other authorities charge a full commercial rent for their plots!
We would like to ask the council if all health and wellbeing amenities offered by the local authority are totally self-financing. And how does this fit with the large amount planned to revamp the bandstand in the town centre? Every study shows that allotments have huge benefits to mental and physical health - benefits the council is supposed to support. Take a look at the page for Ashford Health and Wellbeing Board - also on the council's website!
We would also like to know if other authorities charge a full commercial rent for their plots!
Water charges. The council only puts forward a range of 'flat rate' options, which take no account of whether individual plotholders are wasteful with water or sensible. If you are a sensible water user, should you be expected to subsidise those who let it leak out, spray it around carelessly, or use sprinklers contrary to the terms of the contract?
You'd think the council would have asked for helpful suggestions, but no box for this is provided.
You'd think the council would have asked for helpful suggestions, but no box for this is provided.
Management. The council offers the option of having the sites managed by Ashford Allotment Society. It's a nice idea, isn't it? The committee of "Ashford Allotment Society" has made it quite clear to the council that the Society is far too informal, poorly supported and lacking in volunteers to even consider the possibility. We have difficulties manning a trading store once a fortnight, the idea of managing 13 sites is really rather absurb.
What are your feelings about the survey? Let us know your views. They can be published without disclosing your name if you prefer.
If through all this, you've been wondering 'What is a rod and how do they use it to measure my allotment', then click here
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