April 2019 Minutes

Held at Astley Bridge Cricket Club, 8^th April 2019

Present: 16 members representing 11 sites

Apologies: Carole Barlow (Sapling Rd.), Martyn Swain (Rawlyn Rd.)

Please remember our blogsite at http://abas2014.blogspot.co.uk AND our new email at allotmentsbolton@yahoo.com

THE ABAS VISION STATEMENT

Abas exists to achieve fair treatment for all plot-holders on allotments sites within the Bolton Borough boundaries. It seeks to achieve this through effective representation of plot-holders and societies to the Council and the provision of support to individuals and societies.

Minutes of the March Meeting 

The  Minutes having been posted on the Association Blog-site and there being no corrections anyone wished to make, or points anyone wished to raise or other matters arising, the meeting moved to adopt the minutes as correct.

Matters Arising 

The March meeting highlighted the following issues for the abas committee to take up with the Allotments Section
Road Planings – sites requiring road planings have been advised to contact Allotments restating their needs – so far only Florence Avenue has responded
Amended OMA for Moss Lea – this is still on MR’s ‘to do’ list
Florence Avenue – “winter works” – Allotments are not sure what these are – they will check with FA – FA are resubmitting their requests
Tonge Moor – Allotments will check current documentation issued to TM
Keys – situation is varied – Allotments would be happy to see the “deposit” scheme extended to all sites
Settle Street – Allotment’s understanding of events differs from the site society’s – we have forwarded Allotment’s reply to the society.

PROGRESS MEETINGS

Allotments have proposed that we hold a Progress Meeting in late April or early May
At this time Allotments should have the 18/19 out-turn figures and the 19/20 budget figures for discussion. Once again the costs of water usage will be critical (it’s about 30% of the Allotments budget)
The draft NAS Bullying Policy has been shared with Allotments, this should be discussed at the Progress Meeting

We will try to have the meeting in time for us to report at the May abas meeting

Reporting on Council Performance on BoT Notices

Stewart Draper (SXS) has been doing some work on forms for collecting data on BoT2s, BOt3s etc. Jo Robson (TMR) has volunteered to act as a guinea pig for the new system

Site Security

Following discussions at the March meeting the secretary wrote (on 18th March 2019) to the Divisional Chief Inspector covering the Bolton Area (C I Michael Russell) asking if time could be found for a representative of GMP to meet with either our committee or (better still) to attend one of our open meetings.

Suggested Issues for discussion were:

Problems getting through to the 101 line – we have advised LiveChat on the GMP website
What happens to incidents reported to GMP – e.g. shed break-ins? Both how are they recorded and what actions may or may not follow?
Is there any active process of collating incidents so that particularly vulnerable sites get identified?
What is GMP’s attitude to “allotment crime”? There is a concern that it is seen as petty vandalism but some incidents have cost plot-holders up to £2,000 in damage etc.
What (in GMP’s opinion) are the responsibilities of; The Police, The Council (who after all own the sites), Site Societies and individual plot-holders and what action might each take.

To date no response has been received

GM SPATIAL PLAN

The 8-week consultation period completed on 21st March.
The Final Plan will be issued following consideration of the consultation results

Abas membership

The following sites given are in membership
They have 413 members out of 668 plots on their sites, there are 961 plots in Bolton on all sites

Rawlyn Rd

Tonge Moor Rd
Haslam Park
Moss Lea
Settle St
Naysmith St
Sapling Road
Smedley Avenue
Harpers Lane
Shepherd Cross St
Tonge Fold
Green Lane (Horwich)
Dealey Rd
Florence Avenue
Clammerclough

There are individual members at

Firwood Rd.

Ainsdale Rd and Lever Park Avenue have not renewed membership to date, Lever Park are recorded as having paid NAS subs.

Bolton Allotment Competitions and Show

Abas will again run the Bolton Allotments Competitions; The Fairhurst, Greenhalgh and New Tenant Trophies plus the Rosebowl for “Best Site” – judging will take place w/c June 24th and w/c July 22nd – Entry Forms are now available – please note that contact details for entries should be taken

On August 3rd, Abas will again organise the Annual Vegetable, Onion and Leek Show.

As in previous years Abas will be seeking individual / society sponsorship of the Vegetable Show Classes. There will be 25 classes at £10 per class.

Any society who would like a presentation about preparing items for the show please contact abas

Show Classes

Class 1 Best Display of 4 Vegetables
One of each kind selected from a list provided [space allowed 60cm X 45cm with no overhang of produce]
Class 2 Three Carrots [any type with 5-8cm of tops]
Class 3 Three Parsnip [with 5-8cm of tops]
Class 4 Three Onions dressed from sets under 250gr
Class 5 Three Onions dressed from seed under 250gr
Class 6 Three Onions dressed from seed 250gr and over
Class 7 Three Onions dressed one under 250gr one 250gr to 450gr and one over 450gr
Class 8 Two Blanched Leeks with foliage and roots
Class 9 Two Pot Leeks with foliage and roots, not to exceed 6” [15cm] to tight button
Class 10 Ten Shallots dressed under 30mm
Class 11 Ten Shallots dressed 30mm and over
Class 12 Three Red Onions dressed
Class 13 Heaviest Onion as grown complete with foliage and roots
Class 14 Four Tomatoes with calyces attached
Class 15 One Cucumber [with stalk]
Class 16 French Beans 6 pods [with stalk]
Class 17 Runner Beans 6 pods [with stalk]
Class 18 Peas 6 pods [with stalk]
Class 19 One Marrow [with stalk]
Class 20 Four Potatoes White
Class 21 Four Potatoes Coloured
Class 22 Three Beetroot [with 5-8cm of tops]
Class 23 One Cabbage [with 8cm of stalk]
Class 24 One Cauliflower [with 8cm of stalk and trimmed to show curd]
Class 25 One of any other type of vegetable not mentioned above

Entries allowed are Class One only one entry per person

Classes 2 – 25 max of two entries per person per class

NAS and NWCAA

NWCAA have to date issued no minutes of the meeting held at Crumpsall on February 10th despite repeated requests for the abas chair. The next NWCAA meeting has been scheduled for 28th April in either the Wirral or Liverpool – a calling notice for this meeting was received on 09/04/2019

There seemed to be a feeling that abas does not sufficiently promote membership of the NAS. We therefore asked NAS for suitable promotional materials for distribution to members. These materials have subsequently been received by the Secretary.

Grants and Training

Information is available in the CVS Funding Bulletin – copies through www.boltoncvs.org.uk
Abas urge all member societies to become CVS members

CVS have issued details of their training and events programme – see www.boltoncvs.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN 2019?

5th May 2019 – Harpers Lane – Spring Event

1st June 2019 – Florence Avenue – Flower Sale (12.00 – 4.00 p.m.)
3rd August 2019 – ABAS – Annual Vegetable, Onion and Leek Show
NATIONAL ALLOTMENTS WEEK 2019 IS THE 12TH TO 18TH AUGUST
1st September 2019 – Harpers Lane – Open Day and Show

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The following issues were raised:-
Tonge Moor Rd. – this site is effectively split into two parts by some houses
The main site (which is site managed by Tonge Moor Allotment Society) and a smaller block
The smaller block has plots numbered in the 50s and 60s.
It has previously been stated that this smaller block is not within the management remit of TMAS.
However, one of the tenants in that block has approached the TMAS Committee asking that those plots be considered as part of the whole site and that TMAS should site manage them as with the other plots on the main site.
There is concern that a number of these plots are not being adequately cultivated and the tenant fears that they may be ripe for development.
TMR is a Statutory Site, are these plots considered as being within the site’s protection area?
We have asked for the Council’s view on the request and the current position.

Tonge Moor Rd. – are still having problems with the former tenant who has retained a key to the site. The situation is now further complicated in that an existing tenant appears to have invited this person back onto the site so he can help with watering when the existing tenant goes on holiday. The Council have been informed as to this situation.

Moss Lea – Some housing is being built adjacent to the Moss Lea access road. The activities of the builders have created problems of access and affected the condition of the road. We have requested that Building Regs (or another Council Department) ensure that the builders reinstate the road to at least its former condition.

Moss Lea – Moss Lea feel that there are discrepancies between Council records on who has what plot etc. and the situation on the ground. Moss Lea feel this may be a more general problem. Moss Lea would like to propose that there should be regular (say half-yearly) exercises between Allotments and Societies to cross check records. Moss Lea believe that information as to who has paid their rent should form part of this.

It also appears that “people” are receiving (and presumably paying) rent invoices without signing and returning a Tenancy Agreement –we have asked for Allotments view in this. 

Naysmith St (Horwich) – Naysmith St, asked if the “self-help” scheme is still operating and if so could the Council supply the Society with a short length of chestnut paling fencing material (maybe 10-20 feet) to make repairs. An email has been sent to the Council.

Further to this Abas is considering setting up some kind of “wants and offers” scheme so that Societies can “swop” surplus materials. This has been launched on the blogsite.

Sapling Rd. – is the Council still supplying locks and keys to Societies?

Haslam Park – when is the water being turned on on sites?

The minutes of all meetings are posted on the blog site as soon as possible after the event, we also post any other information we feel relevant to our members’ concerns

http://abas2014.blogspot.co.uk

MEETINGS SCHEDULE

The following meetings are planned

May 14th TUESDAY

June 10th
July 8th
August 12th
September 9th
October 14th
NOVEMBER 11TH THE AGM

Chestnut Palings

Does anyone out there have a surplus short length of chestnut paling fencing.

Naysmyth Street Allotments have a need for a short piece to complete repairs -

If you have any please contact - Ken Whowell at muttguru@aol.com

MINUTES OF MARCH 2019 MEETING

Friday, 15 March 2019

MINUTES OF MARCH 2019 MEETING

MINUTES OF THE ABAS MEETING HELD ON 11^TH MARCH 2019.

19 members attended representing 10 allotment sites

Apologies were received on behalf of Rawlyn Road and Harpers Lane Societies.

Minutes of the October Meeting and the AGM

The  Minutes having been posted on the Association Blog-site and their being no corrections anyone wished to make, or any points anyone wished to raise, or other matters arising, the meeting moved to adopt the minutes as correct.

Matters Arising 

NAS draft document relating to “Code of Conduct” and “Bullying” –see later
NAS still expressing concern about the small number of abas members who are also current members of NAS – see later
NWCAA – report back on recent regional meeting – see later
Monitoring Council performance on BoTs etc. – update
Abas / Council projects – see later
Police Issues and Site Security – see later

Water Usage – at present Allotments can still deliver the road  planings etc. promised. Will those secretaries who asked for them please contact allotments band reconfirm that they still want planings, what they want them for, in what quantity and where they would like them tipped/

Reporting on Council Performance on BoT Notices

Stewart Draper (SXS) has been doing some work on a computer-based system for collecting data on BoT2s, BOt3s etc. Unfortunately, due to a number of circumstances the Committee has not been able to respond properly to his work. We hope to do so in the near future

However Stewart is currently preparing a version for launch. He would like some volunteers to test it out before it goes live. Could any site secretaries prepared to be a guinea pig please contact us and we’ll put you in touch with Stewart.

Projects with the Council

The Handover Pack

Abas had agreed with MR that we would try to develop (for the start of the 2019 “season” a checklist for retiring / succeeding secretaries and treasurers as to what (minimum) information should be handed over when one succeeds the other. Unfortunately, for reasons previously stated we have been unable to achieve this during the winter break. We are reviewing the situation, current plans are for a simple checklist. . Could any site secretaries prepared to help by reading this list please contact us.

Bullying Policy

Abas has acquired the draft Bullying Policy prepared by the NAS. We shall be sharing this with the Council once we have had chance to study it.

GM SPATIAL PLAN

This plan is now out for consultation.

In related matters it would appear that whereas Salford are taking a positive approach to allotment provision Bolton are taking a negative line and blocking anything that threatens to create work or expenditure for the authority “down the line”.

We may also wish to consider the success of the approach taken by the Bowling Clubs in reducing the proposed cuts to their services and what lessons this might hold for us.

THE ABAS VISION STATEMENT

Abas exists to achieve fair treatment for all plot-holders on allotments sites within the Bolton Borough boundaries. It seeks to achieve this through effective representation of plot-holders and societies to the Council and the provision of support to individuals and societies.

ABAS MEMBERSHIP
The sites listed below are in membership. We have 413 members out of 668 plots on their sites
There are 961 plots in Bolton on all sites

Rawlyn Rd, Tonge Moor Rd, Haslam Park, Moss Lea, Settle St, Naysmith St, Sapling Road, Smedley Avenue, Harpers Lane, Shepherd Cross St, Tonge Fold, Green Lane (Horwich), Dealey Rd, Florence Avenue, Clammerclough.

There are individual members at Firwood Rd.

Ainsdale Rd and Lever Park Avenue have not renewed membership to date, Lever Park are recorded as having paid NAS subs. Underlined Sites in are NAS members

Matters raised by Member Societies

Site Security remains a problem – following recent incidents of arson, thefts and vandalism, issues include:

What is the Police’s responsibility? – Discussion included the issue of the 101 phone number (and the lack of a timely response to calls to that number).  The meeting noted current recommendations to use LiveChat on www.gmp.police.uk.

What is the Council’s responsibility? To what extent does the Council have a responsibility to maintain boundary fences and gates to a suitable standard?

What is the Society’s responsibility? As relates to ensuring gates are kept locked and issuing advice to plot-holders.

What is the individual plot-holder’s responsibility? Current advice to all plot-holders is not to keep tools or anything of value in the shed / greenhouse or on the plot. “Take it home” sums up the advice.

Individuals should also check their household insurance policies, in some cases contents of an allotment shed may be included

What can we (as an allotment community) do? Abas will invite GMP to send a representative to an abas meeting to discuss issues such as the police response to break-ins and arson attacks and to explain exactly what (if anything) happens to the reports of such incidents when reported to police – are details collated in any way?

Progress Meetings with Allotments

During 2018 we held a two Progress Meetings with the Head of Neighbourhood Services.

We maintained regular contact by email

We would aim to have more frequent meetings in 2019 and also that the “Refresher Monitor” be updated and circulated more frequently. This will (as always) depend on Council “resource availability”

It was also felt that it would be useful to hold a Progress Meeting once details of the 2019/2020 Allotments Budget and details of 2018/2019 expenditure are available.

Bolton Allotment Competitions and Show

Abas will again run the Bolton Allotments Competitions

The Fairhurst, Greenhalgh and New Tenant Trophies plus the Rosebowl for “Best Site”.
Volunteers are invited to join the judging panel for these events. This involves being part of a team which visits each site and assesses those plots entered into the competition.

On August 3rd, Abas will again organise the Annual Vegetable, Onion and Leek Show.

As in previous years Abas will be seeking individual / society sponsorship of the Vegetable Show Classes. There will be 25 classes at £10 per class.

We will aim to distribute A4 posters relating to these events for use on sites

NAS and NWCAA

There was an NWCAA meeting on Sunday 19th February at Cheetham and Crumpsall Model Allotments at which abas was represented

It was attended by Liz Bunting – the current Legal and Operations Manager of the NAS – she spoke on a) The LANTRA training development and b) the NAS Code of Conduct

We were again approached by NAS officials (Dave Morris) about the small number of Societies in ABAS who were registering members with NAS and the small number of members quoted by those who did.  The Chair again reminded Mr Morris and also Alan Hull (who also attended) that

a) a society does not have to be affiliated to the NAS (and thus register its members with the NAS and pay membership fees)to be part of abas

b) not every plot-holder on a site is a member of their site society (or is required to be as a condition of tenancy)

c)  that the vast majority of the sites they have referred to are very small and have no society and little (if any) contact with abas or its member societies 

There seemed to be a feeling that abas does not sufficiently promote membership of the NAS. The Chair has pointed out that we have promoted the Seed Discount Schemes, we have supported NWCAA participation at the Southport Show and facilitated a discussion of the NAS Insurance Scheme.

We shall however ask NAS for suitable promotional materials for distribution to members

Please note our Mission Statement which stresses that abas exists primarily to represent the societies in their dealings with Bolton Council.

GRANTS AND TRAINING

CVS has alerted members to the existence of grants from the Provincial Walsh Trust, Bolton – details on www.pwtb.org deadlines are March 31st and September 30th.

Other information is available in the CVS Funding Bulletin – copies through www.boltoncvs.org.uk

Abas urge all member societies to become CVS members

CVS have issued details of their training and events programme – see www.boltoncvs.org.uk

PS Abas has received a grant of £827 as a contribution to 2019 expenses

WHAT’S ON IN 2019?

As in previous years please let us know what events, projects you are organising.
Perhaps it would be useful for Site Societies to know that
NATIONAL ALLOTMENTS WEEK 2019 IS THE 12TH TO 18TH AUGUST

OUTSTANDING ISSUES / ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The following matters were raised at the meeting

Those sites who had requested road planings last autumn, have been asked to contact Allotments to confirm that they still want / need them, the quantity they are asking for, the purpose to which they will be put and where they would like them tipped.

Moss Lea reported that a revised OMA reflecting their specific circumstances (which was promised in the autumn) has not been provided by Allotments.

Florence Avenue reported that “winter works” i.e. work on their site which they felt they had been promised would be undertaken during the winter break has not been done.

Tonge Moor raised the matter that a new version of the Tenancy Amendment form which they had expected over the winter had not been issued.

Settle Street reported on a recent incident in which a BoT3 had been served and the person “evicted”. Allotments had then advised Settle St that the plot could be re-let. Settle Street did this. The evicted person then came on to the site, abused the new tenant and stated that the plot was hers. She also stated that she had paid her rent. Allotments then stated that telling Settle Street to re-let the plot had been an error and that Settle St should reinstate the evicted tenant. (And remove the plot from a new tenant who had been making a go of it.) Settle Street’s Committee feel they have been considerably embarrassed whilst they have done nothing wrong.

There have been incidents such as the above previously, it makes site secretaries and societies look bad in the eyes of their plot-holders and gives ammunition to those on sites who take every opportunity to attack site officers.

The Question of KEYS …. It would appear that too many people with little or no connection to sites have keys.

The current understanding is that the Council no longer issues each new tenant with a site key free of charge but that the site society should provide a key. Societies should look into operating “deposit” (as opposed to “sale”) schemes. The key is in effect loaned to the tenant who pays an agreed deposit refundable when the tenant returns the key on giving up the tenancy.

Some site societies also request that tenants surrender any copy keys they have had made during their tenancy and we would encourage this practice.

Abas is a bit short-handed at the moment, Both the Secretary and the Treasurer have family responsibilities which are reducing their ability to commit as much time as usual to abas matters. Members may therefore experience some delays in getting replies. We would ask that if you have to telephone the Secretary you try to do so on Thursdays. However email would be preferred

MINUTES

The minutes of all meetings are posted on the blog site as soon as possible after the event, we also post any other information we feel relevant to our members’ concerns
http://abas2014.blogspot.co.uk

MEETINGS SCHEDULE

The following meetings are planned
April 8th
May 14th TUESDAY
June 10th
July 8th
August 12th
September 9th
October 14th
NOVEMBER 11TH THE AGM

new email address

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS

AllotmentsBolton@yahoo.com

All communications should now be sent to this address

AGM MINUTES

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

Of the Association of Bolton Allotment Societies

Held on November 12^th 2018

At Astley Bridge Cricket Club

Present: 27 members representing 14 sites

Apologies: Malcolm Russell, Head of Neighbourhood Services, Bolton MBC and Cllr Susan Howarth, Bolton MBC

MINUTES OF THE AGM 2017

The minutes of the AGM 2017 having been posted on the Association’s blog-site http://abas2014.blogspot.co.uk for an appropriate period, and there being no unresolved matters arising, the meeting voted that those minutes now be accepted as a complete and correct record.

THE TREASURER’S REPORT

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2017/18
INCOME
Total In Bank as of 12/11/2017						£2,615.85
Belated Subs 2017						£139.00
Show Entry Fees						£35.80
Donations						£126.70
Duchy of Lancaster Grant						£250.00
Cash in Hamd paid in						£14.30
Members Subs 2018						£202.00
Bank Interest						£0.88
					TOTAL	£3,384.53
EXPENSES
Laminating Pouches and Printing Aids						£61.40
Computer Anti-Virus Software						£60.00
NVS Subs and Medal						£28.10
Individual Membership NAS (Secretary)						£24.00
Printing						£158.40
Priniting Inks						£36.00
Prize Money / Judges' Fees						£278.00
Room Hire						£75.00
Refreshments						£20.00
Engraving Trophies						£27.50
Flowers for Show Secretary						£20.00
Event Insurance						£106.00
					TOTAL:	£894.40
INCOME LESS EXPENSES						£2,490.13
CURRENT ACCOUNT						£587.69
BUSINESS RESERVE ACCOUNT						£1,902.44
					TOTAL	£2,490.13
Representing a nett outflow of funds of						£125.72

The meeting voted to accept the accounts as a true and accurate record.

ABAS MEMBERSHIP REVIEW

Abas has membership in 17 sites in Bolton

Prior to the AGM 10 sites had paid their membership subscriptions, others had indicated that they would pay at the AGM (ad did so).

According to the last Council Monitor (Feb/ March 2018), there were 15 OMA sites in Bolton (plus 2 more “pending”) – at present 13 of these sites (plus both pending sites) are Abas members. There are 2 sites which are not members.

OMA sites cover some 68% of the individual plots in Bolton, Abas members (OMA and non-OMA) cover some 70%.

ABAS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

In 2018, Abas again organised the Borough-Wide Allotments Competitions, (The Fairhurst, Greenhalgh and New Tenant Trophies plus the Rosebowl for “Best Site”.) A full record of the results of these competitions is available on the blog-site.
Thanks are due to Jeff Gibson, Terry Farrell, George Wild and Richard Hayes for undertaking the judging.

The meeting voted that Abas should again run these competitions in 2019.

In August, Abas organised the Annual Vegetable, Onion and Leek Show. A full record of the results of the show is available on the blog-site.

Thanks are due to Margaret Farrell and the “Show Team” for their efforts in planning and running the Show.

The Treasurer stated that due to personal circumstances the current Show Team could not undertake to run the Show in 2019, and that unless others were willing to come forward there would not be a Show next year. In the event Audrey Woods (Secretary, Haslam Park) offered to take over Mrs Farrell’s role as Show Secretary and work with the remaining Show team to organise the 2019 Show.

OMAs

As previously noted, some 68% of plots in the Borough are now covered by OMAs.

There continue to be problems relating to communications between OMA Secretaries and the Allotments Section, and there are still issues about the registration of tenancies and the enactment of Breach of Tenancy Requests.

Abas is reconsidering the way in which it collects and uses information from its members on the performance of the Allotments Section and hopes that it will have a new system ready for the resumption of the BoT system in March / April 2019. The Committee would like to thank Stewart Draper (Shepherds Cross Street) who has offered to develop an IT based system over the coming winter months.

It was noted that the Allotments Section “are not expecting Monthly Reports over the winter period” (October to March) and will not be actioning any BoT request in this period. Abas has advised Secretaries to submit Monthly Reports during this period if there are any continuing issues remaining unresolved. We understand that any unresolved mal-cultivation issues can be restarted with a BoT2 request in a March or April Monthly Report (with accompanying photos). It is also felt that where a BoT2 or BoT3 request has been submitted and no response received before the next Monthly Report this must be highlighted in the monthly reportr and the request renewed (unless the matter has been resolved).

PROJECTS WITH THE COUNCIL

Abas has two ongoing projects
1.       The development of a “Secretary’s Handover Checklist” for new Society Secretaries and Committee Members – work on the production of this is stalled due to a lack of time and resources at Abas. Work will resume when resources are available
2.       The development of an on-site Bullying, Conflict and Social Behaviour Policy which will replace the ineffective clause in the current Tenancy Agreement – this development is awaiting the production of a Guidance Document by the NAS which is promised for November 2018.

The Secretary drew members attention to an article in the current issue of “Allotment and Leisure Gardener” from Chris Barker, the Vice Chair of the NAS’ London Region. Mr Barker addresses a problem that has arisen at some self-managed sites where the Committee has been “infiltrated” by representatives of land developers who then impose draconian rules and restrictions on plot-holders with the ultimate aim of driving them from the site so that it may be re-classified as development land. The Secretary pointed out there are no self-managed sites in Bolton and so far as we are aware no plans to create any.

NAS AND NWCAA

Jeff and Terry attended a meeting at Crumpsall convened by the NAS Regional Rep – John Irwin – on October 21st

It would appear that a skeleton committee for the NWCAA is being formed and that a meeting at Crumpsall in the New Year (February 10^th) to which NAS representatives have been invited will give a better indication of the way forward

Jeff and Terry will continue to represent us at these meetings

GM SPATIAL PLAN

There continue to be delays in the production of a GM Spatial Plan.
These revolve around arguments on population forecasts (and thus the estimates of housing need) and on the government’s formulae for calculating that need

In the meantime it has been argued that the absence of a 5 year plan for Bolton has meant that a number of developers have been able to win appeals for housing developments which had been turned down by our local planners. There have also been arguments about the nature of housing developments being permitted (both on sites and on the type of housing). Abas does not wish to become involved in these arguments which have now become the basis for party political dispute.

Abas is however concerned about Bolton Planners’ reported reluctance to include allotment provision in development permissions. Abas continues to work closely with the Salford Federation where such inclusion is proposed.

No threats to allotment sites have as yet been identified (other than to a small site currently leased by BMBC from Peel Holdings)

MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBER SOCIETIES

Site Security – following recent incidents of arson, thefts and vandalism at their site, a member society had requested that we address questions of site security.
Issues included:

1.       What is the Police’s responsibility?

A number of those present had had problems reporting incidents via the 101 number – waits of 30 minutes plus were reported. It was suggested that contact could be made either by using the Area Team numbers given on the GMP website or by using the “Live Chat” facility on that website.

There is a general feeling that given the limited budget and resources currently available to GMP we cannot expect allotment crime to be a priority for them.

In at least one recent instance the Police have commented that the Council could make a difference by improving site security (fencing).

2.       What is the Council’s responsibility?

The Council has stated that criminal incidents are a police matter.

They have also stated that there are no resources to improve site security e.g. fencing etc.

Abas repeats its advice to Societies to maintain lobbying pressure on their local Ward Councillors to get the Allotment Budget reinstated to a more useful level.

3.       What is the Society’s responsibility?

Strictly speaking the OMA does not impose any responsibilities relating to site security on Societies. However societies usually try to impose rules such as ensuring that gates are locked at all times. Societies may take on responsibility for communal facilities (shop, meeting room etc.) and may take out insurance on such facilities and their contents. Some Societies may wish to take other measures e.g. CCTV or improved lighting but this is at their own discretion and using their own (or grant) funds.

4.       What is the individual plot-holder’s responsibility?

Simple things like ensuring that they lock the gates etc.

Abas advises plot-holders against keeping anything of value in sheds, greenhouses etc. Such structures are exceedingly vulnerable.

When an incident occurs the “victim” should report the incident to GMP and obtain a crime number. On some sites it is the practice to inform the site secretary of all crime numbers received.

Individual security on sheds etc. is up to the individual tenant, in practice a range of locks and alarms are employed.

What can we (as an allotment community) do?
It has been argued that if all incidents are reported to GMP then when this reaches a critical number the Police will be “forced” to take some action. Doubt has been expressed as to how the data is actually collated by GMP so that this critical mass is recognised and what action they might take even if it is. Lack of perceived action, coupled with the issues surrounding the 101 number, acts as a discouragement to plot-holders who then “don’t see the point” in reporting incidents, thus creating a vicious spiral of inactivity.

It was suggested that Abas invite GMP to send an officer to a future meeting to advise on site and plot security. It was pointed out that abas has done this in the past. We have had one such presentation (there was also a presentation at a NWCAA Meeting held in Bolton) but our last request was turned down “due to lack of resources”. Abas will try again after March (ideally getting a presentation before the Summer School Holidays),

Other practical measures included:

Fitting Motion Sensitive Lights at Strategic Points on the site.
Advising Tenants to use “van locks” rather than padlocks on sheds.

CCTV has been suggested by GMP to some sites. The Council has recently pointed out that there are rules to be obeyed and restrictions on the use of CCTV and the information it collects in locations where the general public may be realistically regarded as having access. It was also pointed out that there are additional issues where those being filmed may be minors. Abas will try to clarify what the Council’s advice and concerns are.

It was also pointed out that security devices themselves may become targets for vandals and thieves and need to be made secure.

It was also pointed out that although a secure lock may discourage an opportunistic thief, such provision might also suggest that the contents are worth stealing and / or lead to greater damage to the structure by the offenders (“if you’ve got a lock, they go in through the roof!”)

A general feeling would seem to be that there is little chance of the situation improving and that we should expect further problems at the next school holidays.

It was however pointed out that the nature of offences has changed in recent years, we no longer have the major raids when thousands of £ss worth of equipment was taken for communal stores etc. (Mainly because no one has that level of equipment any more or if they have it is kept off site.

OTHER ISSUES FROM THE FLOOR?

The question was asked as to what effect the additional water usage over the past summer might have on the Allotment Service. The Secretary replied that the Head of Neighbourhood Services has expressed concern about the size of water bills that the Council can expect. He is concerned that this will have an adverse effect on the section’s ability to do any minor works such as the projects involving road planings etc.

THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

The Following were re-elected unopposed

Chair – Jeff Gibson
Secretary –David Jackson
Treasurer – Terry Farrell

The following were elected as Committee Members

Peter Chapman (Settle St.), Eric Golding (Florence Avenue) and Paul Longworth (Harpers Lane)

The Committee wish to express their thanks to Alan Kay (Smedley Avenue) and Carole Deplitch who have retired from the Committee, for their contribution over the past years.

The Chair then expressed the Association’s thanks to the Secretary (Dave Jackson) and the Treasurer (Terry Farrell) for their work over the past year. It should be recorded that the Chair (Jeff Gibson) has also made a significant contribution this year (as in previous years).

The meeting was then closed

The next Abas Members’ Meeting will be on Monday 11th March 2019

AGM Minutes will be posted on the blog-site http://abas2014.blogspot.co.uk