Don't lose the plot

Those of you out there have fought your way to a plot and the chance to settle into this idyllic way of life. The sods are being turned and the crops happily sown. Whether you have just come to the end of a long wait for a plot or have fought to have new allotments installed in your area you have reached 'Utopia'. But don't relax! Whether you are new allotments or have been in existence for many years there are many predators out there swimming with the sharks and eyeing your little piece of land. These developers see us little folk as somewhat eccentric , digging and planting our little acres of ground , fighting the vagaries of nature and all the pests just to get these vegetables to our kitchen tables and enjoy the fruits of our labours. Why don't we do it the easy way and buy it in plastic bags from the supermarkets like they do? These very supermarkets who are eyeing up our land to develop yet another store and import these fruits and vegetables from a global source. Let us look at the status of the land where allotments are normal situated. First there is the statutory land. This is the land procured by the appropriate authority for allotment purpose. This is the best place to be as this land can only be disposed of with the consent of the Secretary of State. To further protect the tenants using this land the Secretary must be satisfied that adequate provision is made for displaced plot holders. In addition this alternative provision must normally be provided within three quarters of a mile of the plot holders homes. For statutory allotments to be disposed of the application must be made to the Secretary of State under section 8 of the 1925 allotment act. Several criteria also have to be taken into account and these are:- The allotments are not necessary and surplus to requirements. Adequate provision is made for displaced plot holders. The number of people on the waiting list is taken into account. The local authority has actively promoted and publicised the availability of the allotments. So you see if you are a plot holder on statutory allotments you have a high degree of safety for continued occupation. Still no need for complacency, make sure the plots are kept filled and in good, clean order. Do not let people rent the plot and not cultivate it. Actively promote the benefits of the allotment to the local community. And work closely in conjunction with them.