By Ian Duncan

Last updated at 12:53, Thursday, 17 January 2013

Allotments in Harraby will be transferred into council ownership.

The vote on the freehold transfer of the land in Chertsey Bank was taken by members of Carlisle City Council’s executive to allow its continued use as allotments.

The site is just off London Road, covers an area of around 2,300 square metres, and is divided into 15 individual allotment plots.

Councillor Les Tickner, the council’s finance, governance and resources portfolio holder, said that there had been discussions with the current owners, the Environment Agency, to move into a new ownership agreement.

He added that the agency would also provide £3,000 in funding to cover the cost of work at the site and the move tied in with council policy. “It will encourage people to grow their own food,” he said.

Councillor Elsie Martlew, the council’s environment and transport portfolio holder, said that they should keep an eye on the finances to make sure the funding covered the cost of the work.

The agency funding would cover the cost of immediately needed repairs at the site including:

replacing damaged perimeter fencing

repairing a sandstone wall at the front of the site

the installation of a new water supply. According to a report by Raymond Simmons, the council officer who investigated the matter, he recommended the transfer – a move subject to the agreement and finalisation of terms by the council property services manager.

He added: “The Environment Agency has declared the site surplus to their core operational activities and wishes to dispose of the asset.

“The city council is the responsible authority for the provision of allotment sites across the city and district.”

The site is currently used by Harraby Horticultural Society for an annual payment to the Environment Agency of £100 per annum.

It has been proposed that once the transfer has taken place that steps are taken to put in place a self-governing arrangement.

Mr Simmons said: “A lease will be granted to the association who will manage the lettings to individual plot holders, and take on the day to day responsibility for the running, upkeep and maintenance of the allotment.

“It is envisaged the council’s role will extend only to carrying out a low key monitoring function.”

Under the agreement the council will pay a nominal fee of £1 for the transfer.

First published at 12:51, Thursday, 17 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk