Even though it looks as though the Allotments will continue in their current position if building takes place on the 'Ag' field some members still have misgivings. There are pros and cons.

On the pros side:
There is the small, but nonetheless finite, possibility of improved facilities e.g. Club house/offices, toilets, paved tracks. It remains to be seen, however, what the details are in the planning application.

There is a possibility, also small, of provision of extra allotments to reduce or eradicate our waiting list.

Houses on the body of the field should form a wind break shielding sheds, greenhouses, delicate plants (fruit trees) and members from the worst of the winds that currently rip across the site in autumn and spring.

Removal of the hay field should reduce the amount of unwanted seeds, particularly dandelion's, blowing into the allotmens.

The cons are:
We would lose our idyllic surroundings. Instead of tilling the soil in a peaceful rural setting we would be working within what had become a small town. I know that this is, on paper, a 'romantic' argument but it does nevertheless affect the overall spiritual benefit and well being of the allotmenters.

Maintenance of the cohesion of the allotment community could be much more difficult as the 'arms' of plots will be isolated inside what ever security barriers are to be errected and obscured from one another.

Security could be a big issue. We are, currently, lucky that we don't suffer much from vandalism and thieving. This is due partly to our secure gate on Glebe Drive, and improvements to the other village facing boundaries but mainly to our position out of the main village. If access to the site can't be gained via Waterloo Crescent, the Cricket Field or the gate it is necessary to go round to Willoughby road, cross two fields and a deep ditch to get in. This is much too irksome for casual vandals or tool/produce thieves. The plan to cut the allotemts in half with a right of access route will also make splendid asccess for all the 'elements' we seek to avoid. Reassurances about fencing cut no ice, the Blaby allotments seem to have a secure boundary but they were badly raided three times last year.

There is still the possibility of a hidden agenda to close down the allotments flog the land and build on them later.
The new situation regarding security and the access could make the continuation of allotment gardening untenable in the longer term. The land would be much more valuable by then.

There could be difficulties with burning un-compostable items. Personally I take them to the tip but I can, at the moment. Some members don't have cars and or prefer to burn and spread ash. It's difficult at the moment because we need the wind away from the houses. That would be an almost nonexistent event with houses all around. CGAS would need to make some provision to deal with this.

Finally: That's all I have for the moment and these are only allotments based comments. There are others pertaining to the village and environment in general. I must point out that though some others may agree with the above comments they are my own musings and do not necessarily agree with the opinions of the CGAS members or Committee. If you have your own comments to make please do so on the forum that has been set up for the purpose. See http://cthorpeallotments.co.uk/forum.

Webmaster 11/12/2009