Cumbrian allotment holders could have to take on more responsibilities
Last updated at 11:00, Saturday, 28 July 2012
Allotment holders have given a mixed reaction to a suggestion that they take on more responsibilities for their land.
The idea was put forward at a meeting attended by tenants and Carlisle City Council representatives.
A council spokeswoman explained: “A number of associations (of tenants) have asked for the council to look at different ways for the allotments to be managed.”
“As it stands, the city council manages the sites, but some associations would prefer that alternative management arrangements were explored.
“At the most recent meeting with allotment tenants, it was suggested that council could take a step back from directly managing allotments and for tenants to take on more responsibility to manage themselves through their associations.”
If this idea was put into practice the tenants would take on responsibility for things like the allotments’ water services and maintenance of the sites.
The spokeswoman added: “No decision has been made, but we welcome the views of allotment tenants.”
The News & Star took this suggestion to Botcherby Paddock Allotments and found people both for and against it.
Mary Storey, 57, of Durranhill, was in favour. She is a regular at her plot.
“We would be happy to do it,” she commented. “But we have to have the commitment from everyone.”
She was particularly keen on the idea of tenants organising the grass being mown. Currently, the lawn on communal paths are cut by council workers but she, and fellow tenant Terry Routledge, felt the plot-holders could organise a better service.
Others though were less enthusiastic. Doreen Kirkwood, 68, of Borcherby said: “It’s too much, if you have got arthritis or something there’s no way you could do it.”
The city council has 777 allotment plots at 67 different sites. Comment can be made through www.carlisle.gov.uk.
First published at 10:52, Saturday, 28 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
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