Allotments in the city

Stricter rules on allotment tenants who do not look after their plots are to be considered by Preston City Council.

A study into allotment sites in the city found the current waiting list time of one year for a plot in Preston could be improved by dealing with problem tenants.

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Councillors are proposing the introduction of a probation period in the first twelve months with a yellow and red card system introduced. All new tenants would have to attend a compulsory training session before being offered a plot.

Increasing all rents by £2.50 per year is also on the cards as every tenant would need to become a member of the National Society of Leisure and Allotments Gardens. This could come into force from 1 January next year.

The Haslam Park allotment site has been identified as a problem area with some of the plots becoming unlettable due to bad weather and being overgrown.

Nearly 600 plots are currently available to let by Preston City Council across the city. A large plot costs £85 and a regular plot costs £37.

New allotment plots are due to be created as part of the redevelopment of the former James Hall depot site off Blackpool Road.

Subsidising allotments costs the city council around £28,000 per year.

The full report goes to the city council’s cabinet on Wednesday 24 June and can be read on the city council website.

Do you have an allotment? Are you waiting for one? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below