Post by Deubug on Apr 29, 2013 3:12:26 GMT 1
10th January 2008,
MELROSE AVENUE ALLOTMENT SITE – CLEARANCE OF UNUSED PLOTS
The Clerk reported orally on an approach from Watford Youth Offending Team about the
possibility of renting an allotment. The proposal was that young offenders who had been issued
with a reparation order (community service) would first clear the plot and then use it for
cultivation.
RESOLVED that one plot be provided free of charge subject to an undertaking to clear the other
unused plots.
7th February 2008,
MELROSE AVENUE ALLOTMENT SITE – CLEARANCE OF UNUSED PLOTS
The Clerk reported on the views of existing allotment holders on the approach from Watford
Youth Offending Team about the possibility of renting an allotment. Members noted the allotment
holders’ concerns but in view of the success of projects previously run by Watford Youth
Offending Team considered that the Team should be given a chance to clear and use an
allotment for one year. Members stressed the need for constant supervision of the Team on site
and that Team members would not be able to have individual access to the site. It was also
considered that the PCSO should be asked to visit the site occasionally as a good crime
prevention method.
RESOLVED that one plot be provided free of charge subject to an undertaking to clear the other
unused plots for one year
Thursday 12 June 2008
Melrose Allotments
It was Noted that the key lock had been replaced by a combination lock on the entrance gate.
Several tenants had complained that they had been required to pay £5 or £7 for keys to the old
lock and requested reimbursement.
It was RESOLVED that, due to the highly subsidised rents charged for allotments and that the
original lock had been broken, no reimbursements are to be made.
9 July 2008
Allotment Rents
Members were asked to consider the allotment rents applicable from 1 October 2009.
It was Noted that the rents will be increasing by 10p per pole from 1 October 2008,
representing a rent of £3.50 per pole, with a 50% discount for residents aged 60 or over.
The allotment budget for 2008/2009 is £3,265 expenditure against an income of £1,742.
It was RECOMMENDED that the rents be frozen for 2009/2010
b Melrose Allotment Gates
It was Noted that the Handyman had reported the gates, which are over 60 years old, to
be in a poor state of repair.
2nd October 2008
It was noted that a number of new tenancies have been agreed and further expressions of
interest continue to be received.
The Melrose Avenue site is expected to reach full capacity.
Annual rents are currently being received, with approximately £545 banked to date of the
approximately £2000 due by 22 October.
It was agreed that if damage caused to the paths of Melrose Avenue allotments by the
delivery of a shed is not satisfactorily rectified in accordance with our letter to the tenant,
the tenant will be asked to remove the shed.
Installation of the new gate at Melrose Avenue has been delayed a few days until 6th
October.
It was agreed that no visit to Allum Lane allotments be currently arranged, though the Clerk
is to monitor the site and report to the next meeting.
6/11/08
Members expressed their appreciation of the winner of the Council’s annual cup - awarded
in memory of Alf Warman - for the best kept allotment, Mr Tom Murphy.
The Clerk invited representatives of the allotment tenants to raise issues of concern.
Responding for Allum Lane allotments, Tony Cox made the following points:
• The site was suffering an invasion of rabbits, and suggested the Council contact
Shenley Town Council to ascertain how they dealt with rabbits a few years ago.
Also, Environmental Health at Hertsmere Borough Council may be able to assist.
• The new grass mower is unsuitable for the rural Allum Lane site, being insufficiently
powerful.
• Maintenance was “appalling”; in the past there had been regular attendance by the
handyman but the last time anyone had strimmed the car park and roadway was
July.
• Tony Cox agreed that cutting back the overgrowth bordering the Sutton homes
would not be prudent.
It was agreed that the Clerk would investigate the puchase of a suitably powerful mower for
Allum Lane.
Tom Cunningham responded on behalf of the Melrose Road allotment tenants, who had
recently held a meeting, making the following points:
• They are grateful for the interest shown by the Town Council in the allotments and
thanked the Council for the recent action taken on warnings and evictions.
• Concern was expressed about the combination locks used on the entrance gate,
which many of the older tenants found difficult to use.
• Concern was expressed about rubbish being thrown over the boundary fence into
the allotments from the new development of homes adjacent to rows C – E. Also,
tenants want to know who is responsible for maintaining the boundary fence.
• A notice board in the car park was suggested and also a notice at the entrance
gate.
The following action was agreed:
• Clerk to find out who owns the development site so that the Council can write to the
owners reminding them of their obligations.
• Allotment plots are to be cleared/strimmed by handyman before being handed over
to new tenants.
• Clerk to write again to Mr Healy asking him to add topsoil on top of the turf laid in
the tyre indentations to fill them level. This is to be done at the earliest opportunity
subject to suitable weather and no later than May 2009.
The Clerk briefed the Committee on the current state of the allotments and raised the issue
of the agreement with Watford Youth Council.
It was agreed that the Watford Youth Council could continue to use the two allotments rent
free until the end of February 2009, when the situation would be reviewed.
4th December 2008
Stapleton Road Site - A letter was tabled from a resident suggesting another
proposal for the use of the disused Stapleton Road allotment site. A copy of the
letter was given to each Member to take away so it can be discussed at a future
meeting.
c 2009/2010 Expenditure - The Clerk requested Members consider proposed
expenditure in addition to the new grass mower and notice board previously
discussed. Members decided this should be discussed at the next meeting when
more Members are present.
The Clerk had found out from Hertsmere the owners of the former Furzehill
School development site next to Melrose allotments (Persimmon Homes,
Thames Valley) but has not written to them as he is no longer sure what the
issue is – there doesn't appear to be a problem with litter at the moment
though there is some issue with trees, which may need pollarding.
The Clerk had discussed with the Handyman the maintenance issues raised
by the allotment holders and will be following/monitoring these issues during
the next year.
The Clerk spoke to our contact at Watford Youth Council, who is very
grateful for free use of two allotments until February 2009.
The Clerk wrote to Mr Healy about the damage he caused to Melrose paths
and a copy of the letter was made available to the Committee.
MELROSE AVENUE ALLOTMENT SITE – CLEARANCE OF UNUSED PLOTS
The Clerk reported orally on an approach from Watford Youth Offending Team about the
possibility of renting an allotment. The proposal was that young offenders who had been issued
with a reparation order (community service) would first clear the plot and then use it for
cultivation.
RESOLVED that one plot be provided free of charge subject to an undertaking to clear the other
unused plots.
7th February 2008,
MELROSE AVENUE ALLOTMENT SITE – CLEARANCE OF UNUSED PLOTS
The Clerk reported on the views of existing allotment holders on the approach from Watford
Youth Offending Team about the possibility of renting an allotment. Members noted the allotment
holders’ concerns but in view of the success of projects previously run by Watford Youth
Offending Team considered that the Team should be given a chance to clear and use an
allotment for one year. Members stressed the need for constant supervision of the Team on site
and that Team members would not be able to have individual access to the site. It was also
considered that the PCSO should be asked to visit the site occasionally as a good crime
prevention method.
RESOLVED that one plot be provided free of charge subject to an undertaking to clear the other
unused plots for one year
Thursday 12 June 2008
Melrose Allotments
It was Noted that the key lock had been replaced by a combination lock on the entrance gate.
Several tenants had complained that they had been required to pay £5 or £7 for keys to the old
lock and requested reimbursement.
It was RESOLVED that, due to the highly subsidised rents charged for allotments and that the
original lock had been broken, no reimbursements are to be made.
9 July 2008
Allotment Rents
Members were asked to consider the allotment rents applicable from 1 October 2009.
It was Noted that the rents will be increasing by 10p per pole from 1 October 2008,
representing a rent of £3.50 per pole, with a 50% discount for residents aged 60 or over.
The allotment budget for 2008/2009 is £3,265 expenditure against an income of £1,742.
It was RECOMMENDED that the rents be frozen for 2009/2010
b Melrose Allotment Gates
It was Noted that the Handyman had reported the gates, which are over 60 years old, to
be in a poor state of repair.
2nd October 2008
It was noted that a number of new tenancies have been agreed and further expressions of
interest continue to be received.
The Melrose Avenue site is expected to reach full capacity.
Annual rents are currently being received, with approximately £545 banked to date of the
approximately £2000 due by 22 October.
It was agreed that if damage caused to the paths of Melrose Avenue allotments by the
delivery of a shed is not satisfactorily rectified in accordance with our letter to the tenant,
the tenant will be asked to remove the shed.
Installation of the new gate at Melrose Avenue has been delayed a few days until 6th
October.
It was agreed that no visit to Allum Lane allotments be currently arranged, though the Clerk
is to monitor the site and report to the next meeting.
6/11/08
Members expressed their appreciation of the winner of the Council’s annual cup - awarded
in memory of Alf Warman - for the best kept allotment, Mr Tom Murphy.
The Clerk invited representatives of the allotment tenants to raise issues of concern.
Responding for Allum Lane allotments, Tony Cox made the following points:
• The site was suffering an invasion of rabbits, and suggested the Council contact
Shenley Town Council to ascertain how they dealt with rabbits a few years ago.
Also, Environmental Health at Hertsmere Borough Council may be able to assist.
• The new grass mower is unsuitable for the rural Allum Lane site, being insufficiently
powerful.
• Maintenance was “appalling”; in the past there had been regular attendance by the
handyman but the last time anyone had strimmed the car park and roadway was
July.
• Tony Cox agreed that cutting back the overgrowth bordering the Sutton homes
would not be prudent.
It was agreed that the Clerk would investigate the puchase of a suitably powerful mower for
Allum Lane.
Tom Cunningham responded on behalf of the Melrose Road allotment tenants, who had
recently held a meeting, making the following points:
• They are grateful for the interest shown by the Town Council in the allotments and
thanked the Council for the recent action taken on warnings and evictions.
• Concern was expressed about the combination locks used on the entrance gate,
which many of the older tenants found difficult to use.
• Concern was expressed about rubbish being thrown over the boundary fence into
the allotments from the new development of homes adjacent to rows C – E. Also,
tenants want to know who is responsible for maintaining the boundary fence.
• A notice board in the car park was suggested and also a notice at the entrance
gate.
The following action was agreed:
• Clerk to find out who owns the development site so that the Council can write to the
owners reminding them of their obligations.
• Allotment plots are to be cleared/strimmed by handyman before being handed over
to new tenants.
• Clerk to write again to Mr Healy asking him to add topsoil on top of the turf laid in
the tyre indentations to fill them level. This is to be done at the earliest opportunity
subject to suitable weather and no later than May 2009.
The Clerk briefed the Committee on the current state of the allotments and raised the issue
of the agreement with Watford Youth Council.
It was agreed that the Watford Youth Council could continue to use the two allotments rent
free until the end of February 2009, when the situation would be reviewed.
4th December 2008
Stapleton Road Site - A letter was tabled from a resident suggesting another
proposal for the use of the disused Stapleton Road allotment site. A copy of the
letter was given to each Member to take away so it can be discussed at a future
meeting.
c 2009/2010 Expenditure - The Clerk requested Members consider proposed
expenditure in addition to the new grass mower and notice board previously
discussed. Members decided this should be discussed at the next meeting when
more Members are present.
The Clerk had found out from Hertsmere the owners of the former Furzehill
School development site next to Melrose allotments (Persimmon Homes,
Thames Valley) but has not written to them as he is no longer sure what the
issue is – there doesn't appear to be a problem with litter at the moment
though there is some issue with trees, which may need pollarding.
The Clerk had discussed with the Handyman the maintenance issues raised
by the allotment holders and will be following/monitoring these issues during
the next year.
The Clerk spoke to our contact at Watford Youth Council, who is very
grateful for free use of two allotments until February 2009.
The Clerk wrote to Mr Healy about the damage he caused to Melrose paths
and a copy of the letter was made available to the Committee.