Halstead Town Council

ALLOTMENTS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1.                 Chairman's Report

The Chairman Councillor Mrs B Gage welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting and introduced Mike Murkin, the new Town Clerk and Councillor Mrs Helen Catley, Mayor and Chairman of Halstead Town Council.  The Chairman advised the meeting of the improvements made on the various allotment sites during the last year.

2.                  Minutes

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 27^th November 2006, having been previously circulated, were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

3.                  Matters arising from those Minutes

Mr Lister asked what the current situation was with regard to the manhole cover that had been removed on the Tidings Hill site by AWA.  He was advised that the work was still ongoing by AWA.  He also asked when the new tap would be in use.  He was advised that allotment holders would be advised when the tap was available for them to use.

4.                  Public Questions and Comments

Mrs Thompson asked if the letter from the Halstead Allotment Holders and Leisure Gardeners Association had been received by Halstead Town Council.  The Chairman confirmed its receipt and assured her the issues mentioned in the letter were being looked into.  Mrs Thompson raised her concern again that the allotments were not statutory apart from Colchester Road (stat) and the Chairman explained that Braintree District Council was in the process of issuing a 20 year lease to Halstead Town Council for the Allotment sites. 

Mrs Thompson also raised the question of water supply on allotment sites currently without taps.  The Chairman explained that this would be a costly exercise and there were no plans, at the moment, to install taps on allotment sites.

Tidings Hill

Mr Ryan asked if the double gates could be repaired.  The Administration Officer reported that this was already in hand.

Parsonage Street

It was reported that dog fouling is a problem on this site and it was agreed to report this to the dog warden. 

There had been some vandalism on this site and the Chairman asked Allotment Holders to contact the police whenever there were any problems and get an incident number.

Mr William complained that there was a problem with children going onto his allotment plot and leaving litter behind.  The Administration Officer advised that Halstead Town Council were looking to fence the Courtauld Close side of Parsonage Street allotment site.

Mr Lodge advised that the ivy was very overgrown on the Water Board wall on the Parsonage Street site, reducing the width of the footpath.  It was agreed to get this cut back.

Colchester Road (Stat)

Mr Gilbert was concerned that plots were overgrown on this site.  The Administration Officer advised that, as a result of non payment, a couple of plots were now vacant and would be re-let shortly.  The Administration Officer advised it would be beneficial to have a Warden on this site.  Mr Gilbert volunteered to become the Warden. 

Mrs Thompson and Mr Ross said that St Johns Ambulance keeps writing to Mr George Courtauld, President of Allotment Association regarding a small piece of land at the Colchester Road (Stat) site.  The Town Clerk agreed to write to the President of St Johns Ambulance in connection with this. 

Mr Thompson asked when the land at Colchester Road (stat) was being cleared.  He was advised that Mr Keeble should be clearing the brambles very soon.  There was also an issue with sub soil and rubble on a section of this land which would also need to be cleared.  Mr Thompson said he was happy to assist in anyway he could.

The Chairman advised the meeting that the rent for all allotment plots would be increased from September 2008 to £1.50 per rod.

Mr Tullett, Warden on Tidings Hill allotment site said the allotment holders on this site had a very good relationship and were all prepared to help each other.  He said he thought it would be good if people from different sites could get together to share ideas etc.

5.                  Closure of Meeting

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.15 pm