'Save our sheds' - allotmenteers

Former town mayor Peter Harries, who was intrumental in helping to establish the site in 2009, reported to the town council that he feared six sheds had wrongly been condemned as unsafe.
The news came after Sovereign Housing prepared to renew the original two year lease to the council. The associtation said a structural engineer had branded the sheds unsound.
However, Mr Harries said: “We were aware that shed numbers seven to 10 were unsafe and had excluded them from the contract. Only sheds one to six were part of the original contract - why have they all been condemned?
“Sheds one to six were inspected by Sovereign before the (original) contract was signed and declared safe after being re-roofed. Sovereign’s inspector stated they were liable to last for at least 30 years.”
He demanded to know:
* if a proper structural assessment has been made of sheds one to six
* why there had not been a proper consultation with the allotment committee
* what the town council would do about supplying new sheds if the decision to condemn the originals was not rescinded
Mr Harries added: “There does seem to be a lack of enthusiasm regarding this issue from all parties. Those plots were taken up for those who were senior and people who only wanted a small allotment. How can you expect some of the holders to transport all their tools to the site?”
Mr Harries said he believed a mistake might have been made in branding all the sheds unsafe and pointed out that a quick solution was necessary because the growing season is imminent.
He also warned the allotment could be targeted by thieves if tools were left in the open.
Martin Crane responded: “We were given to understand that they were all in a dangerous condition and took it on face value. This needs further investigation. We will instruct the recreation and amenities committee to look into this and report back.”