Rules

RULES of the BLANE VALLEY ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

NOTE:  Failure to adhere to the Rules may result in termination of membership

1. The prime objective of each allotment is the cultivation of fruit and vegetables for the member’s own consumption or for the benefit of the community (for example, at the village fete).

2. Annual plot rent to be paid by a date set at the AGM.  Failure to pay within the stipulated period will be taken as a resignation from the Association.

3. Permission for limited vehicular access to the site and any parking at the site is subject to the control of the Management Committee.  Reasonable advance application must be made to any member of the Management Committee to allow arrangements to be made for collecting the bollard key.  Each trip must be entered in the logbook.  Failure to do this could lead to loss of vehicular access for the Association.

4. Plotholders must maintain their sites in good order and tidy appearance, with weeds kept under control.  They are also responsible for keeping adjacent pathways clear and trimmed.

5. Any refuse or perennial weeds must be removed from the site by the plotholder and any vegetable matter composted within the plotholder’s plot.

6. Plotholders are responsible for the maintenance of the fencing around their own plots and of advising the Committee of any deterioration of the perimeter fence, or any rabbit or deer incursion.

7. The Management Committee are responsible for the upkeep of the perimeter fence.

8. Plotholders must close and fasten securely any gate in the perimeter fence after each entry or exit.

9. Pets must be kept under control at all times, with any mess being removed from the site.

10. No shed or greenhouse or similar structure may be erected without the permission of the Management Committee. Any alterations or painting of a shed or other structure must be in consultation with the Committee.  Plotholders should be aware that holders of adjacent plots may require access for the purposes of shed painting, maintenance etc. Such access should not be denied without good reason.

11. In consultation with the Management Committee, plotholders must allow a drainage ditch to be dug across their plot if necessary.  It is the responsibility of plotholders to ensure that any open drainage ditches on their plots are clearly visible, and that any ditches they have dug across communal paths or ground are clearly marked.  Ditches in communal areas must be filled in as soon as possible for the safety of all who use the allotments.

12. No soil, gravel or sand should be removed from a plot.

13. Only trees with dwarf or semi-dwarf root stock should be planted.

14. All fires, for whatever purpose, require the permission of the Management Committee.  Plastic must not be burnt on site.

15. Please consider your neighbours by keeping noise to an acceptable level.  Children should be supervised at all times.

16. Plots are non-transferable but can be worked by joint plotholders or by a group, in each case one person being the principal contact and responsible for following the Association rules. 

17. Any plot becoming vacant will be offered to the first name on the waiting list.

18. Plotholders are responsible for the security of their own property.  The 19. Association is not responsible for any theft, damage or destruction of any member’s property or produce.  Any member found stealing plants, produce, tools or other possessions from another plot will have their membership terminated immediately.

19. Plots are to be maintained to an acceptable standard.  There will be regular inspections of the plots and, if under standard, a written warning will be issued.  Failure to comply with the warning, without good and sufficient reason, will result in the plotholder’s let being terminated.

20. Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, willow and skunk cabbage must not be planted or allowed to grow.  The Management Committee reserves the right to prohibit the planting of any other plant that is regarded as harmful or invasive.

21. Weedkillers and other pesticides should be used with extreme caution, especially when spraying, to avoid contaminating surrounding plots.  Neighbouring plotholders should be informed that spraying is taking place.  Only pesticides authorised for amateur use will be allowed unless special application is made to the Management Committee.

22. If a plotholder is absent for a significant part of the growing season, cover must be arranged for that period and the Management Committee be advised.

23. Any complaints or disputes should be made in writing to the Secretary who must report it to the next Committee meeting.

24. All plotholders are jointly responsible for taking part in the general maintenance of the whole site.

25. Any change of address or other contact details must be passed to the Secretary immediately.

26. A plotholder vacating a plot is entitled to remove any structures and plants he/she has provided.

27. Changes or additions to these Rules require the agreement of a majority of members attending a general meeting. The Management Committee are responsible for advising plotholders of any changes to the Rules.

28. No member shall take any action that may adversely affect the running, ongoing management or reputation of the site.

29. The Management Committee will review the operation of the Rules on an annual basis and, in the interests of being a good neighbour, will provide the SCDT with the outcome of such a review.

30. Members should note that the only insurance that the Association holds is public liability insurance.  If individual plotholders require personal or equipment insurance then this is their own responsibility.

31. Members must provide an emergency contact number in case of an accident or emergency on site.

32. Powered machinery may only be operated on any part of the allotment site by a person over 16 years.