Alers Road Leisure Gardens Association

Q1. Are there plots currently available on site?

 

Availability changes frequently. To hear about current availability, please use the Contact page to register your interest. Our secretary will then contact you to provide current availability, answer further questions and arrange a site visit should you wish. To go to the Contact page click here.

Q2. How much does a plot cost?

 

Plots are priced based on size, and are typically half or full plots. There is a discounted price for over 60s. Click here to see current plot pricing.

Q3. How do I learn more about the site?

 

Use the Contact page to contact our secretary, either by calling the number provided or by filling in your details on the contact form. To go to the Contact page click here.

Q4. What is a Cultivation Survey and why do the Committee carry them out?

 

A cultivation survey ensures that each plot is being properly maintained and utilised. We operate the site under a licence from Bexley Council, and this licence requires the Committee to carry out surveys to ensure that this is the case. See Q5 for more information.

 

These surveys are typically carried out four times a year but due to certain circumstances may be undertaken more often.

​

The Surveys are conducted by two Committee Members in: March; June; August; September.

Q5. What criteria are applied during the Cultivation Surveys?

​

There are a number of criteria. The first is the level of cultivation: After the first three months of Tenancy the plot must be cultivated at least 25%; after one year the plot must be cultivated at a level of at least 75%. Other measures are also applied. Has the plot been worked? Is the path, which is on the right from the nearest fairway, properly maintained? Are uncultivated areas tidy? Are there tall weeds or grass? Are there items of rubbish which need removing? Are there any items on the plot that could be considered a ‘Safety Hazard’?

Q6. What happens if my plot fails the Cultivation Survey?

If your plot fails the Cultivation Survey, you will receive a letter giving at least two weeks’ notice to attend to the breach, at which time a further survey will be carried out. If the documented issues have not been addressed, you will receive a further letter that will explain that as you are breaking the Conditions of the Tenancy Agreement, you are at risk of your Tenancy being terminated. If you have health or other problems, please let the Secretary know (in confidence).

Q7. If my tenancy is terminated, what recourse do I have?

In the first instance you should state your case in writing (Email is acceptable – arlga@belleisa.co.uk) to the Secretary who will then ask the Committee to consider the case. If the Committee upholds the termination, then you have the option to ask Bexley Council’s Allotment Team to intervene.

Q8. What other responsibilities do I have regarding my plot?

The Committee are always striving to ensure the site is clean and tidy, and there are a number of plotholders who give freely of their time to ensure that necessary repairs and maintenance are carried out on site. You can assist by ensuring all areas around your plot are kept tidy and any rubbish removed.

Q9. Why do we sometimes have Working Parties?

Many areas of site maintenance and improvement are undertaken by a small group of plotholders who give their time freely to ensure the site looks tidy and operates smoothly. From time to time some major works need to be undertaken, and that is when we ask plotholders to assist. If you see that a Working Party is required, please do your best to attend and assist where possible.

Q10. What is Ruxley in Bloom?

The competition, previously known as Bexley in Bloom, is now organised by Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, and includes sites in Bromley and Dartford. It has a number of categories, of which Best Allotment Site and Best Allotment Plot are relevant to us. We have been fortunate enough to have won the Competition for Best Allotment Site more than any other site. One of our plotholders has also won Best Plot on a number of occasions. You can help us retain this award by keeping your plot and path tidy.

Q11. What is Open Access?

​

The Committee which manages the site meets regularly to discuss matters related to the functioning of the site. Open Access is a permanent timeslot in the agenda to allow any plotholder to discuss or raise things with the Committee. Please feel free to use this time in the agenda if you wish by advising the Secretary prior to the meeting. The dates of the Committee Meetings are in the site calendar. Click here to see the dates.