Scrutiny Panel gets dug in for allotment holders

Allotment holders do not sound like the usual suspects when it comes to anti social behaviour, fights and squatting, but these are just some of the complaints received by Cllr Chris Andrew, Chairman of the Allotments Scrutiny Working Group.

Photo shows Cllr Chris Andrew and members of the Allotments Scrutiny Working Group.

Set up last July, the Group, together with officers from Environment, Street Scene and Parks, has been busy improving the service to local allotment holders, a service that in the past had been overlooked.

Determined to put things right Cllr Chris Andrew, together with other group members, visited Houndsfield and Barrowell Green allotments and also launched a thorough investigation into allotment services across the borough. Now they want to hear from YOU!

Cllr Andrew said “I had received some complaints about allotments, so I decided to see for myself the condition of some of our sites. Visiting the allotments was extremely interesting, as although we did find committed people who tended plots which were immaculate with lovely vegetables and fruit laden trees, sadly the scene was spoiled by some overgrown and neglected plots.

“Plot holders also told me there had been anti social behaviour and some vandalism in the allotments, and that security could be tightened.

“In addition to the visits we also looked at other allotments across London, and how other council’s dealt with their responsibilities. Like how much did they charge allotment holders? What terms and conditions did they have? How could we make things better for allotment enthusiasts in Enfield?”

Using what they have learned so far a new tenancy agreement with revised terms and conditions has been issued to allotment holders.

Cllr Andrew continued “But we still want to do more. We are asking members of the public and all allotment holders in Enfield what they think about how we provide allotments for the wider community. Get involved and tell us your views.”

To feedback your views to the Group contact us on scrutiny@enfield.gov.uk or write to: Mike Ahuja, Enfield Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, Middx, EN1 3XA.

This document was last updated on 2008-03-11 15:11:30 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132532