I've heard it's a popular site (certainly huge). How long's the waiting list for plots?

I've also mailed pwc.allotments@sheffield.gov.uk but hoping for a quicker, if more informal, response here. Thanks.

I think I waited from initially enquiring in June to signing agreement in November. That was two years ago and I'll have had my plot for two years in December this year. There are loads of unworked plots - keep nattering the allotment office.

6months to a year.

Neek are you on Meersbrook ?

6months to a year.

Thought as much. Should have put my name down a year ago! ;)

I put my name on the list a couple of weeks ago and they said I was number 69 on the list. There is another thread on here (called allotment share - I posted it but don't know how to link) in which some allotment users say there are about 80 unused.
I went to see my friend's allotment at the weekend and had a wander round - it's criminal how many allotments are not only not used but are about head height in brambles (loads of free blackberries!)
The allotment office on that email address got back to me really quickly but I don't know how they deal with people who don't cultivate their plots for ages?

The council have recently sent out letters to owners of unused plots (after much hassling from allotment holders).

This may free up some more allotments so don't give up.

We are also looking into what resources are available for overgrown plot clearance as it can be incredibly daunting tackling a jungle.

Allotment society committtee meeting first Sunday in the month at the shop. Good place to go for information.

Hi

Where is the shop? I might come along to the meeting (next Sunday?) with my friend who has an allotment on there.

Do you think there is a good chance of allotments being freed up? A chap was telling us about the cycle of letters etc that go out and it all takes months before the person can THEN say they've been ill or whatever. It does seem a shame when there are so many people waiting ..

The shop is located just inside the gates at the top of Meersbrook Road. Open Sunday and Thursday from 10-11.

This months committee meeting was yesterday

Don't know how suyccesfulf the freeing up of allotments will be but it feels like something is happening at last

Hi

Where is the shop? I might come along to the meeting (next Sunday?) with my friend who has an allotment on there.

Do you think there is a good chance of allotments being freed up? A chap was telling us about the cycle of letters etc that go out and it all takes months before the person can THEN say they've been ill or whatever. It does seem a shame when there are so many people waiting ..

Unfortunately their hands are largely tied by legislation which doesn't help to get rid of tenants not using their plots. Also they often kick up a fuss when they are sent letters.

That said they it does seem they're a bit slow in getting the process started, so I'd complain to the allotment officer about the large numbers that are unworked,

Rob

Unfortunately their hands are largely tied by legislation which doesn't help to get rid of tenants not using their plots. Also they often kick up a fuss when they are sent letters.

That said they it does seem they're a bit slow in getting the process started, so I'd complain to the allotment officer about the large numbers that are unworked,

Rob

Agree with Rob. The allotment society is limited in what it can do - legislation dictates the process. The best thing to do is to bug the alotment office. It's human nature to concentrate on those pople that shout the loudest. If the office get constant queries about the vacant plots from the society and from prospective tenants then they are more likely to take action.

It may also be worth trying to the director of Parks and Countryside (used to be Mary Bagley, not sure if she's still there). I think there is an issue with the system for evictions and the time it takes to resolve issues. The allotment office don't want to know, they just say it's the system but the system coud be changed.

I called Sarah today at the allotment office to enquire about progress on finding a new tennant for the plot next to mine. She said the notice to quit had been served and takes effect at the end of this month.

Apparently the waiting list is now 80 people strong. I've forgotten the exact figures (memory like a sieve), but I think she said they have sent out around 100 letters requesting 'improvement' and issued 30 notices to quit.

6months to a year.

Crikey. I got my application for a vacany today, which 6 months to the day after the initial enquiry!

Went down to have a look at the plot and have made a list of things I will need to get it into shape:

* JCB
* Skip
* Tractor + plough
* Chainsaw

I'm joking, of course, unless I wanted it done in a weekend! Oh well, I like a challenge. It's going to be years of spadework, mostly, before it's fit for growing. Buy hey, you have to start somewhere.

pberry - which plot number do you have? We've just got ours and it sounds as though it's in exactly the same state! Bit daunting knowing where to start isn't it?
Well, if you're near to us - maybe we can keep each other going?
S

Welcome to the Meersbrook site pberry and happy gardening... try to get some pals to give you a hand taming your plot (and keeping it tamed).

pberry - which plot number do you have? We've just got ours and it sounds as though it's in exactly the same state! Bit daunting knowing where to start isn't it?
Well, if you're near to us - maybe we can keep each other going?
S

174 (http://ccgi.pberry.plus.com/sheffield/map.php?pin=299&view=satellite) (zoom in to see exact spot).

I'll wait until I hear back from the Council before jumping in with a machete and blowtorch. :)

looks like you've taken on an enchanted garden... watch out for bears

PB, I can't get the link to work ??

PB, I can't get the link to work ??

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