A Special General Meeting was called 24th January 2026 to discuss the Allotment Rent , Water Issues, agree next steps with the formal complaintto BCPC and AOB.

Paul opened the meeting by explaining plot holders have unti mid- March to pay rent, based on the date the letter was recevied from the council. The results of the survey and wide support to challenge the total rent payable was discussed.

It was agreed that it appears unlikely the council are to adjust the rent amount any further even though it is much higher than other local sites and shouls be a 'reasonable amount.'
The council remain adamant the rent is reasonable.
Paul shared information received from a former plot holder on the rental costs and facilites at Alderton Allotment site.

The water leaks and price was discussed as well as the new information on flusing the taps weekly for legionella.
Members raised conerns on the activity of the Caretaker, why weekly tap flushnig is necessary, how it is in excess of most policies and may be contributing to water use. It was also noted that no membrane had ever been laid on plots, plot holders have strimmed un-used plots and helped new plot holders get started.

Multiple members raised concerns on the high cost of maintenance. It was stated by a member that the maintenance contract ends in February.
It was suggested the council should allocate a budgert to the committee to 'self-manage' maintenance .

All agreed that the communcal area at the far end of the site needs to be developed into a useable space to allow for fair weather social events.

Further actions:
Paul to write a white paper on behalf of the committee to propose reasonable rent and divisino of responsiblitlies. This is to be issud to the council ahead of their next council meeting.

An expansion of the committee members was proposed and agreed during the meeting and officers agreed to a reallocation of roles in the Management Committee.

Managagement Committee:
Chair- Gary Cousins
Secretary- Paul Sunderland
Treasurer- Eleanor Sunderland
Events & Social Officer- Neil Patel
Maintenance Officer- David Hudson
Minutes Officer- Carol Anne

Other Committee Members:
Katrina Garside
Andrew Breslin
Keith Southern
Ruth Sysum
Martin Mayo
Will Cormack
Juliet Wilson

Cleevelands Allotment Society