GARDENERS will be asked to sign up to a new set of rules from next spring if they wish to rent an allotment in Gainford.
Tenants will be limited to one plot per person in future and there is to be a ban on burning household rubbish.
Members of Gainford and Langton Parish Council agreed the new tenancy agreement and allotment rules at their November meeting.
Clerk Martin Clark said the new regime was based on national allotment rules.
“It makes a lot more sense to follow national guidance,” he said.
He said the one plot per person rule would not be introduced retrospectively and those working multiple gardens would not be asked to give them back.
However, as plots become available, they will be re-let on the basis of the new rules.
Cllr Simon Platten, who is also a plot holder, said a proposal to ban all bonfires should be amended.
“One of the problems is weeds which you can’t compost.
“There are certain things you have to burn.”
Cllr Sarah Hannan said bonfires should be restricted to small incinerators and for organic waste only.
Cllr Rachael Neville said no fires should be left unattended and they should be fully extinguished before leaving.
The number of sheds and other structures on plots was also raised.
Cllr Hannan said: “There are some people who have got a significant number of sheds on their allotments and rats are nesting underneath them.
“Those sheds are surplus to what is needed.”
Cllr Platten added: “Some allotments have multiple poly tunnels which are worked hard.
“Quite a few plots have got multiple structures that are not in use,” said Cllr Platten.
“There are some where there are buildings that are almost falling down.”
Mr Clark said it was the intention of the parish council that from next spring there would be regular inspections and the plots would be re-numbered.
He said the council should look at installing some kind of gates at the entrances to the allotment and attend to the state of the paths.
Parish council chairwoman Cllr Lisa Johnstone said since responsibility for the plots had been handed back to the parish council from the allotments committee, communication with tenants had been a problem.
“There is not a lot of two-way communication going on between the allotment holders and the parish council,” she said.
“They are not sure who or how to contact.”
Cllr Johnstone added she was aware of social media page for the allotment holders, but did not think this was the best way to discuss matters.
Members agreed to introduced the new tenancy agreement and allotment rules from next spring.
