MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENTS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

HELD ON MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2001

*Cllr K BarnesMr Cornell

*Cllr Mrs Demonti*Mr Lacey

Cllr Gilbert *Mr Robinson

Cllr Madell

*Cllr D Peek (Chairman)

*Cllr Mrs J Richardson

*Cllr Mrs N Symonds

*denotes present

331.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Gilbert, Cllr Madell, Cllr Warnell and Mr Cornell.

332.MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD 1 OCTOBER 2001

RESOLVED: that the Minutes of the meetings held on 1 October 2001

be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

333.MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

(a) / Waiting Lists and Vacant Plots
To note that an approach had been made to the Secretary of the Allotment and Gardens Association for suitable wording but to date no response had been forthcoming.
(b) / Ward Crescent Allotment Site
To note that a quotation had been sought for a repair to be undertaken to the entrance gate.
(c) / Unauthorised Access to Allotment Sites – Ward Crescent
Members were informed that a shed and trellis had been positioned at the access to the site from No. 18 Knebworth Court. No action had been taken by the occupiers of No. 19 Knebworth Court. The matter was being pursued.
(d) / Firs Allotment Site
The Clerk confirmed that following consultation with the Site Agent, he had been advised that a larger gate would be inappropriate.
(e) / Thornbera Road – Water Tank
The Clerk confirmed that a tank was now available for positioning on the site and the Site Agent had been informed accordingly.

334.CURRENT WAITING LIST AND VACANT PLOTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the up-to-date schedule setting out the current waiting list and vacant plots.

RESOLVED: that the contents be noted.

335.RYE STREET ALLOTMENT SITE

The Clerk informed members that he had met on site with Mrs Greenwood (East Herts District Council) who had agreed to produce a proposal for landscaping the area. The scheme would provide for hedge planting to deliniate the boundary and the provision of specimen native trees to complement the existing species. In view of the special features of the adjacent Farnham Road site, currently managed under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme (MAFF), a request was made for a survey to be undertaken to establish whether there were flora and fauna of special interest on the site.

RESOLVED: that the Clerk action the above.

336.ESTIMATES

Members had been circulated with a draft copy of the estimates. The Clerk stated that the probable 2001/02 and estimates for 2002/03 in respect of water consumption had been underestimated and should be amended to £1,600 for both financial years.

RESOLVED: that the draft estimates as attached be approved.

337.ALLOTMENT RENT REVIEW

Members were informed that the total area of land laid out to allotment purposes amounted to 3,252 rods, which at £1.50 per rod, gave a total debit of £4,878 for the year. However, in view of the empty plots (40%) and the concessions to senior citizens, etc (13%) the actual cash collected amounted to only 47% of the total debit, ie £2,267. The current rent of £1.50 per rod had been set in 1997 and a comparison with neighbouring authorities revealed the following:-

Town CouncilChargeWith Effect From

Hertford £2.10 per rod1 January 2002

Ware£2.10 per rod1 January 2002

Sawbridgeworth£1.50 per rod1 October 2001

Royston£2.00 per rod1 April 1998

The Clerk stated that an increase from £1.50 to the proposed £2.00 would amount to an increase in the total debit of £1,626, however, taking into account the irrecoverable items as referred to above, the net cash increase would amount to £790. For every 10p raised, the net increase in income would amount to £160.

RECOMMENDATION: that the total rent of £1.50 be increased to £2.00 per rod, with effect from 1 April 2003.

338.ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ward Crescent Site

It was reported that the area of land adjacent to the entrance to the site had now been cleared. However, the removal of the hedge had left the site exposed and a request was made for the existing 4ft high fence to be increased in height to 8ft and extended for approximately 10ft to address the problem. The Clerk was asked to action.

339.URGENT BUSINESS

None.

340.ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

None.

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