Interested in growing your own veg?

          Some of you may recall from media coverage in October 2006, allotment  holders on Hatcase Lane were threatened with a rise in rent from £15 to £190 per year. The land is privately owned by Peter Mitchelson and has been used as allotments for nearly 70 years.

          In response, allotment holders formed an association and fought against this unreasonable and unjustifiable rent increase, and for the time being rents have remained as they were. Five of the 16 plots have now been vacated and are not being re-let. The association has written to Mr. Mitchelson on numerous occasions offering help in the management of the site, seeking clarification as to his intentions, and requesting urgent maintenance of the boundary wall. He has never replied to our letters.

          We desperately wish to protect and We desperately wish to protect and improve the site for the community of Pickering to enjoy. An Action Day was held in April to bring in manure, tidy up the site and have a social get-together,  other days are planned for later in the year. We have met with both the Town and District   Councils to explore ways in which to improve and protect the site in the longer term. 

          We are compiling a waiting list of people interested in having an allotment at Hatcase Lane to pressurise the landowner to re-let the vacant plots. This will also give us an indication if there is an unmet need for allotments in the town and thus encourage the town council to address this need. Please get in touch if you would like to join the waiting list.  

Kirstie Vincer, Chair, Hatcase Lane Allotment Association.