For the information of all members we publish below the document given to all new tenants when they take on a garden from the association.
OLD PARK FARM ALLOTMENT
The tenancy agreement for the above allotment is for 6 months this is standard practice for a new tenant. If after 6 months we can clearly see that progress is being made on the allotment in line with the standard tenancy agreement and not in a way to the detriment of the garden holders then then agreement will continue. The rent will be due again by the 1st October 2016. It is the expectation that the rent is paid before that date. Bills will be sent out approximately 6 weeks before. The presumption is that non-payment by that date without prior arrangement means the tenancy will end. Please note we are expecting a rent rise from the council which means that our rents will have to go up to match the standard rate set.
The full tenancy agreement is attached. It is also on the web site.
If there is anything you want to know please contact me.
Basic rules and advice are as follows. The garden is for you; you cannot run a business from it or sublet it.
You are allowed to sell surplus crops but you should not be growing to sell.
The hedges need to be kept around the agreed height of 5ft to 6ft. It is your responsibility to maintain them and the area of pathway outside the garden.
The garden needs to be at least 50% cultivated and as weed free as possible.
A third of the garden can be non-permanent buildings, e.g. Greenhouses, sheds etc. You need to talk to me before you build any new structure on the garden.
You are allowed a rest area.
Please protect our environment and do not bring any rubbish, building equipment used in any business or soft furnishings onto the garden. If you leave the gardens we expect you to remove all tools and equipment and any other items brought onto the garden that are not part of the fabric of the garden.
You are no longer allowed to use old carpet as a weed suppressant, the chemicals leach into the ground. Any old carpet you find on the ground should be removed.
You can have a controlled bonfire on your garden. Do not leave it unattended. Please do not put green cuttings on it or anything else that will cause a smoke nuisance. No chemicals, plastics or rubber or roofing felt or any oil based product. Please note your fire is your responsibility if you cause a hazard the council will prosecute you as individual not the association.
You may only have a fire on the 2nd Sunday in the month. You can have bonfires during the week of 5th November. Dates are published on the web site.
The water supply comes off the mains so is drinkable (however I recommend you run some through the tap first) the water bill costs more than the rent. Use it sparingly, save water in barrels. Do not leave a hose attached to the tap and controlled by the hose, it can leak. Do not leave sprinklers on unattended. Make sure you have turned off the tap. If you see a leak please REPORT it. If you cause water to be wasted by not following the rules you could face a water bill! The water is turned off after bonfire night in November and will be switched on again in March.
We sell compost at a non-profit price available from early in the New Year. It is sold from the committee garden. Details will be posted when we have some.
The keys are very important to us. Keep them safe. They remain our property at all times. You will receive the deposit back if you leave us when you return them. If we have a burglary I will automatically tell the Police if I have keys that have not been returned. Do not lend them out to any unauthorised person. Do not let people into the garden who have not got a key. If in doubt about such a request ring me. ALWAYS lock the gate behind you; this is for the safety of all of us and our belongings.
Do not under any circumstances go onto any other garden without the invitation of the garden holder. This includes unoccupied gardens. Anyone found taking property no matter how small from another garden will face the immediate sanction of the withdrawal of the tenancy. Any theft will be reported to the police.
The Chairman’s name is Steve Yorke, his gardens are at the far end and to the right of the main pathway. You are welcome to take pallets and if you ask him he will bring them up to you on a trailer.
The treasurer is Steve Williams whose garden is number 54 next door but one to me.
I hope you enjoy being a member of our association.
Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association 