Winshill Allotment and Cottage Gardens Association
Wheatley Lane, Winshill.
Local Rules
1. The Committee, or any person authorised by the Committee, on behalf of the members, will have the power to enter upon the allotments at any time for the purpose of carrying out repairs, inspecting the cultivation of the plots and consideration of remedial work or re-planning of the allotments, or for any other purpose that the Committee deems necessary.
2. Disputes arising between Members regarding walkways, boundaries or any other matter connected with the Association will be referred to the Committee.
Any member who wishes to make a formal complaint against another member of the Association concerning any matter arising within the confines of the allotments must notify such a complaint, in writing, to the Secretary of the Association.
3. No Member will sub-let their plot or any part thereof. No plots can be transferred to anyone else. Any members wishing to transfer from one plot to another must have the approval of the Letting Secretary.
4. No Member will, without authority, trespass upon the plot of any other Member.
This includes any children who must be supervised at all times and are the full responsibility of the accompanying member.
5. Members of the Association are responsible for the behaviour and safety of their visitors, guests or members of their family at all times when on the site.
6. Any person found stealing from another Member's plot may be reported to the appropriate authorities. The said Member will be subject to instant dismissal from the Association. In the event that the person concerned is not a Member of the Association and has been found trespassing on the Allotments, or has committed theft or criminal damage, a report will be made to the appropriate authorities with a view to prosecution.
7. Each Member will properly cultivate their land and maintain adjacent paths and keep it in a condition to the satisfaction of the Committee. At least 75% of their plot should be cultivated for growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. Members failing to do so will be given one month's notice, in writing, to improve their plot and requested to provide an explanation as to their failure to cultivate. Failure to respond to such notice and comply with the requirements may result in the Committee giving the Member notice to quit in accordance with the Lease Agreement.
8. Maintenance of any dividing paths is the responsibility of the adjacent plot holders. Paths and roadways adjacent to plots must be kept clear, tidy and cut. Dividing pathways must be at least 18 inches wide (9 inches from each plot). No carpets, stones, weeds or other refuse should be placed on communal paths.
9. All gates to the Allotment site must be closed and locked at all times even if the plot holder is only stopping for a short period and irrespective of the fact that other Members may still be on site.
10. Mains water should be used in moderation and not wasted. Hosepipes shall NOT be used at any time. The Committee reserve the right to introduce a ‘Use of Water’ ban if necessary. Any interference with the water supply may lead to immediate expulsion from the Association. The water will be turned off from November until March. The use of rainwater butts and the spring fed pond are encouraged for irrigation.
11. Garden rubbish generated from a member's plot, other than that retained as compost or suitable to be disposed of on the communal bonfire or compost area, must be removed from site. Tipping rubbish elsewhere on the allotment site is prohibited.
Members leaving rubbish when vacating a plot may be charged for its disposal. Please see the separate notice on ‘Our Expectations of Plot Holders Who Are Leaving’. When a plot is vacated it should be left in a suitable condition to be re-let immediately.
The removal of soil from any part of the allotment site is prohibited.
12. There is a 5 MPH speed limit in all allotment site roads. Cars must only be parked on the nominated car park areas. Cars may be allowed to stop on roadways for loading/unloading only and must be moved within 5 minutes of arrival.
Cars or trailers etc. must not, under any circumstances, be parked on plots.
13. Bonfires are not permitted on individual plots. A separate instruction titled ‘Bonfire and Compost Area Guidelines’ covers the management of burnable material and surplus compost.
14. Farmyard manure should only be purchased from our approved supplier; the details are posted on the main notice board. No manure is to be deposited on a car park area without the prior permission of the Committee. Manure should be stored on the plot and not left upon the pathways or roads. The Committee reserve the right to stop deliveries of manure if road surfaces are bad due to weather.
15. Reasonable consideration should always be given to all Members of the Association at all times.
16. Dogs must be on leads and always be kept under strict control. Dog mess must be cleared up and disposed of offsite.
17. The keeping of livestock upon the Allotments is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Allotment Committee.
Beekeeping is allowed if approved by the Association and the Beekeeper complies with the council rules, all welfare requirements and belongs to the local Beekeepers Association.
18. All Members must abide with the foregoing rules at all times. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to the member concerned having their membership suspended or withdrawn.
These local rules are in addition to any within the Parish Council Lease or the Lease between individual Members and the Association or its Constitution.
The Committee reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments where that may be required to ensure compliance with various discrimination legislation and to ensure inclusivity and support to our membership.
