Worthing Borough Council

I, like many other Worthing residents, would like an allotment. I contacted the relevant department last summer to be told that the waiting list was closed as it was so long. I would like to know: 1. What is being done to ensure that all current allotment sites are being actively used? (I have seen a significant number that appear to be unused) 2. What is being done to source new potential sites for allotments? 3. There are reports in the local media and anecdotally that some people are making use of multiple allotment sites. I am aware of one report that suggests that one individual has 19 separate allotment sites. What is being done to ensure equity of opportunity for all Worthing residents? I appreciate that allotment gardening has become poplular again and this has led to demand overtaking supply but I would like to know what steps the council is taking to take this forward. Thank you.

I agree with Mark Griffiths. Many allotments do look as though they are not in use and no one should be allowed two - the same rigorous production of documents should apply to each household as applies to parking permits. Also, those with a large garden should not be allowed an allotment. I have been on the list for a couple of years - how long is it anyway?

I would like to reiterate what Mark Griffiths has written and add a further query: is it possible, given the rise in demand for allotments, for the council to offer plots half the standard area. As an older, single person, I would be much happier working a smaller plot - it would certainly provide enough veg for my needs. Thank you.

I think priority should be given to those people who do not have a garden. A lot of people I know who have allotments also have quite a big garden at home. I would seem a lot fairer.

I have an official Co-Worker agreement with a Plot holder at West Tarring which has enabled me to cultivate a third share of his allotment, although I believe that I have no rights to the plot should he want to terminate the agreement or if he gives up the plot. However, this is working well at present. I think the Co-Worker option should be promoted more so that people who are finding their plots too much to look after could share them with people from the waiting list, but maybe after a certain amount of time, say 1 year, the Co-Worker would gain some rights. I also think that other options could be promoted to plot holders who need some help, eg 'plot buddies', where they gain some labouring help in return for passing on their skills and the produce is shared. Another option would be to promote the use of some plots as shared 'community' plots so that a number of people could work them together, reducing the work load for all. Lots of people don't intend to become self-sufficient from a plot, they just want the option to do some gardening and would love to do it with other people. I understand that the maximum plot holding is 5 per person. While I don't think that you can take plots away from people, 1 per person should be the limit for new holders and the multiple plot holding phased out as people give them up. The option to offer new half plots is a good idea too. I think all this requires a more pro-active, interactive and imaginative management of the allotments, rather than a bureaucratic allocation of plots. I am not sure how this relates to your need to make allotments 'cost neutral', especially as the Council contracts out the management to Continental Landscapes (until 2013). I believe some Councils hand over management of allotments to the allotment holders themselves, although they would have to be required in some way to be committed to increasing access, to be inclusive, equitable etc etc. Another way is to reduce demand for traditional allotments by supporting alternatives ways of growing your own. I am also a member of Transition Town Worthing and we are working on a number of ideas, like Garden Share (matching up would-be growers with people willing to share their garden). We are also looking for a plot of land (however overgrown or uncultivated), which we could set-up as a Community Garden or Orchard. The council could support the planting of edible fruit and nut trees (as Totnes have done) in public spaces with community involvement in the planting, care and harvesting. Lots of ideas like this could be explored and supported so that more people have a chance to get growing!

I agree with all of the above, people definitely shouldn't be allowed more than one plot, what could they possibly need it for, only a business!! I was lucky enough to get on the list and was told it was a 2 year wait, which does at least give me time to learn how to use the plot, but really that's too long. I want one as I don't have a garden and so very much agree with Bryan. I think there should be someone who actively goes to all the sites and make notes on which plots seem not to be used and if after a couple of months there is no change, those people should be made to give up their plots and then aren't allowed to reapply for a couple of years. It really shouldn't be so difficult to figure this out.