Minutes From Eastlands Allotment Holders Meeting

1900hrs Ex-Servicemen’s Club Hillmorton. 10/07/2007

Attendees: PS Farrow, PCSO’S Cawte, Nash and Spraggett SNT East. Mr/Mrs Lewin, Mr/Mrs Young, Mr P Mcteigue, Mr M Burton, Mr/Mrs Gibbs, Mr/Mrs Linden.

Introduction: PS Farrow SNT East.

Topics

Defensive planting for allotment area.

It was discussed that this would provide additional security from unwanted intrusion into the allotments. Hawthorn and Blackberry plants are easily cultivated and could form an effective, natural barrier; this would still keep a natural look to the area without the need for man-made fencing which would incur a significant cost.

Allotment owners survey.

Approximately three years ago a survey was compiled by the council regarding what allotment holders wanted as regards services. A Mr Cowley from Rugby Council initiated this. Nothing more was ever heard of this and feedback from this initiative would be appreciated.

Site Visit

A site visit will be arranged with representatives of the police, council and allotment holders. Time and date to be confirmed.

Regular Communication.

The two-way flow of information is vital to success; it was urged that ALL incidents are reported so an accurate picture can be built up and resources utilised to their best advantage. The SNT will deliver flyers to holders detailing what they are doing and inviting suggestions for improvement. These will be delivered to all residents in the locality of the allotments.

Rubbish area.

It was stated that there is no area for rubbish bins at the top of the allotments. Council to be made aware of this.

CCTV.

It was mentioned that CCTV might be a viable option for supplementary security; the cost was a negative factor as systems vary and image quality is less enhanced on cheaper systems. It was felt that a three-camera system would not be appropriate and additional cameras would be required for all-round coverage.

It was suggested that Eastlands School may like to get involved in the issues of the allotments and an SNT member will mention this to the head teacher at a later date.

Access points.

All gates are locked but there is a gap to the side of them that individuals may be able to use to gain entrance to the allotments. This will be noted on the site visit and suggestions made.

Wire fencing.

The wire perimeter fence at the bottom of the allotments is in serious need of repair. This borders Fleet Crescent and the footpath that runs alongside the cemetery. Council to be made aware and the damage repaired.

School holidays.

The concerns of the school holidays and increased youth activity in the area was noted; a patrol strategy has now been implemented for optimum coverage during the coming month.

Floodlighting.

This was mentioned as a possible deterrent, it was noted that the school has a floodlight and would it be possible to link up a power supply between the school floodlight and a light on the allotments?