Allotmenteer allowed to keep Thatcham plot

Town Council sympathetic to woman's request to stay

A THATCHAM allotment holder at risk of losing her plot has been granted a stay of execution.

The threat arose because the woman had moved outside of the parish boundary. Rules state that if a tenant resides more than one mile outside of Thatcham then the town council can terminate their lease at Henley’s Allotments.

Deputy clerk Mel Alexander explained to councillors at a meeting last week that the woman had been rehomed to Newbury but did not wish to give up her plot.

The woman claimed in correspondence with the town council that other allotmenteers from outside of Thatcham had plots.

Town councillors were asked whether to terminate the woman’s tenancy or to allow her to stay owing to the special circumstances.

Nathan Gregory (Con, Thatcham South and Crookham) questioned the validity of people outside the parish holding allotments. Mrs Alexander said the council was not aware of the rule being breached.

The chairman of Thatcham Allotment Gardening Club, Keith Jardine, said there was a strong possibility of the woman returning to Thatcham.

He said councillors were discussing a rare event and asked that the woman be allowed to keep the plot if she was able to maintain it.

Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North) suggested that the woman be allowed to keep her plot provided she returned to Thatcham within 12 months.

Rob Denton Powell then ‘lost the plot’ when he said: “I’m minded to say that we allow this tenant to go on for one more season then she will be terminated.”

Realising his faux pas he added that “we provide notice for the end of the season”.

Sympathy came from Dominic Boeck (Con, Thatcham South and Crookham).

“I don’t live in Thatcham but I represent south and Crookham at this council,” he said. “People can have ties with the community even if they don’t necessarily live in the community. I’m a sucker I suppose. She’s been through the ringer a bit.

“If she can maintain the plot then all well and good and she’ll be deriving all sorts of benefits

“I say okay, keep an eye on it. If she can’t maintain it she can’t maintain it and the committee can take a view on that.”

But Jason Collis (Con, Thatcham North) warned that if the woman could have a plot regardless of where she lived, the town council could not use that against her at a later date.

“As well as setting a precedent,” Mr Dillon added.

It was only then that Mr Jardine said: “My latest information is that the lady will probably withdraw her request but she needs to tell you that, not me.”

Councillors agreed to allow her to stay until December subject to terms in tenancy agreement.