Rules & Regulations
The fifteen rules that keep the allotments running.
By order of the Committee, 12 May 2021. The full text is reproduced below, followed by the current advisory notes.
- 01
Rents and the joining fee
Annual rents, as determined by the Committee, shall be paid in advance and are due following the AGM. There is a £50 joining fee, refundable when a member gives notice to quit, provided the holding is returned in good order.
See note 1
- 02
Cultivation and pests
Allotments shall be cultivated, kept weed-free, and any areas of grass cut so as not to cause a nuisance. Nests of pests such as wasps or hornets shall be destroyed as a matter of urgency.
See note 2 & 3
- 03
Shared paths
Members are jointly responsible for the upkeep of paths between plots and the work should be shared fairly. Paths should be kept free of rubbish and other obstructions.
See note 4
- 04
Vehicles on site
Private and delivery vehicles are allowed on site provided the condition of the track is suitable at the time.
See note 5 & 12
- 05
Children and visitors
No children or non-members are allowed on the allotments unless accompanied by a member, or sent on business by a member.
- 06
Safety of children
Children must not run around the plots or play with water from the troughs. Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety of their children at all times. The Society accepts no liability for any accidents or injury.
See note 6
- 07
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the allotments but must be kept under control at all times. Any dog found to be causing a nuisance on more than one occasion may be banned, at the Committee's discretion.
- 08
Chemicals
No weed killing or other chemicals shall be mixed near a shared water supply. All chemicals must be stored and used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. No spraying in windy conditions.
- 09
Water pumps
Pumps may transfer water from troughs to a suitable container on the member's plot. They must not be used to directly water a plot, tunnel or greenhouse.
See note 7
- 10
Structures
Any member wishing to erect a structure must notify the Secretary in writing. No work is to be undertaken before approval.
See note 8
- 11
Theft and damage
The Society cannot accept responsibility for thefts or damage on the site, however caused.
See note 9
- 12
Quiet Sundays
No machinery shall be operated before 10am on a Sunday morning.
See note 10
- 13
Waste and bonfires
No waste materials from any plot shall be deposited on any other part of the site. Bonfires may only be lit when the wind blows toward the top of the allotments (essentially an east wind), must not interfere with others, and must not be left unattended until they have died down.
See note 11
- 14
Tenancy and disputes
Any transfer of tenancy shall be conducted through the Secretary. Complaints or disputes must be sent to the Secretary in writing. The Committee will settle any disputes and their decision is final.
- 15
Compliance
Failure to comply with the above rules may result in a fine or, in some cases, the termination of membership and the forfeit of any deposits.
Advisory notes
Practical guidance accompanying the rules above.
- 1.
- Rents are reviewed annually by the Committee. The current annual rent is £2 per plot plus £5 per year for water, with an additional £3 per year for a tunnel and £1 per year for a greenhouse. Payment by bank transfer is preferred (details from the Secretary); cash and cheques are also accepted.
- 2.
- If you lay materials to walk on or to suppress weeds, you may be required to return the ground to a "cultivatable state" when giving up a plot. Where possible, use materials that decompose, and don't let loose pieces blow about.
- 3.
- Wasps and hornets can destroy whole colonies of bees. We have honeybee hives on site which greatly help pollination - please act quickly if a nest is discovered.
- 4.
- Martin Saunders cuts the larger areas of grass with his tractor mower. Smaller areas adjacent to members' plots are cut and maintained by the relevant members.
- 5.
- Vehicles are usually excluded in winter months when the track gets too muddy - to avoid ruts and to keep mud off the public highway. Park on the road, mindful of residents' access. Drive slowly, keep to the made-up sections, and help maintain the track. Donated materials for the track should be added to it or stored at an agreed location.
- 6.
- There is a large area of grass at the top of the allotments where children are encouraged to play. Note the deep (but covered) well near trough 2 - children must not play there.
- 7.
- The water troughs are turned off in winter until the threat of frost has passed.
- 8.
- Sheds, greenhouses and other structures are usually fine, but must sit wholly within the plot boundary, not shadow neighbouring plots, and be securely anchored against high winds.
- 9.
- Thefts are rare but have happened, mostly involving mechanical equipment.
- 10.
- Any unusual activities likely to create significant noise should be advised to the Secretary in advance so neighbours can be informed if needed.
- 11.
- It is your responsibility to dispose of all waste from your plot. Compost suitable materials on your plot where possible; otherwise burn or remove and dispose of via authorised facilities.
- 12.
- The gated entrances must be closed and padlocked at all times when the site is unoccupied - the last person out locks up, day or night.
Advisory notes as at 12 May 2021