The issue of allotment provision in Ventnor has been a prickly subject over the last couple of weeks.
There’s a long history behind the quest to find allotment space in Ventnor (with a long waiting list in place for sometime), but anger broke out a couple of weeks ago when it was discovered that an area on the Eastern Cliffs was being prepared for use without, not only a public consultation, but also approval by Ventnor Town Councillors.
Work Halted
A stop to the work was called for by Cllr Welsford when he was approached by residents from Buona Vista Road and Dudley Road who objected to the work going ahead without being consulted.
A notice was put up in the area and residents asked to lodge their comments with the Town Clerk or attend the Town Council Meeting on Monday 9th March.
We understand that the land had been approved by Isle of Wight Council for use as allotments only on the condition that it had the public and Town Council approval. Clearly neither of these things had happened.
As we reported earlier in the week, the meeting attracted around 40-45 members of the public and they had much to say on the matter.
Public Opinion
The public question time prior to the formal meeting was extended well past the usual 15 minutes as Councillors listened to the views of local residents.
One resident had, over the period of just a few days, collected 121 signatures from residents objecting to the Eastern Cliffs being used for allotments.
It would be impossible to include all comments but here is a slice which represents the feelings expressed.
“Why were residents only given a few days to comment?”
“More consultation needed.”
“This is an area prone to slippage, adding topsoil and water will exacerbate the situation.”
“You are elected by the people to serve the people. The people have been let down.”
“Once it’s gone, we’ll never get it back again.”
“It’s not fit for purpose.”
“The cliff scape is a valuable asset for Ventnor and should not be unilaterally handed away.”
“According to the UDP, this is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (no.C.246)”
After hearing many of the comments, Cllr Mew (who has been working hard to find suitable location for many years) claimed that the area in question is not used or cared for. He stated that workers cleared at least 15 bags of dog mess that was found in the undergrowth, as well as other litter and items that had been fly tipped.
Many took offense to this statement claiming that children regularly use the area as well as walkers and responsible dog owners.
One resident stated (paraphrased) “But there’s dog mess everywhere, on the streets, in the parks and on the beach. Are you suggesting that because there is dog mess in those places that we should give away that land too?”
Mayor Scoccia assured the residents that the item would be discussed during the official meeting and their views would be taken into consideration.
Councillors Discussion
Kicking off his evening of grand standing (might there be an election soon?), Cllr Fitzgerald (Bond) addressed the audience and apologised on behalf of the Town Council for the mistake that had been made. He suggested that the location be abandoned and an alternative sought out.
Cllr Taylor explained how a farmer in Northwood had given over some of his land for allotments and suggested approaching local farmers to see if the same could be done in Ventnor.
Cllr Robinson promoted the Adopt a Garden scheme, being run by the Footprint Trust and confirmed that Ray Harrington Vail was happy to attend a TC meeting to explain the scheme further, before going on to praising Hugh Fernley Whittingstall’s Landshare scheme.
Cllr Welsford said that he has spoken with ex-local authority officers who claim that a strip of land alongside Ventnor Middle School could be used for this purpose and he suggested that the TC enter negotiations with IWC.
Cllr Mew confirmed that many years ago they had approached the head teacher, who was keen for this land to be used, but that the local authority refused. He also confirmed that they had approached the National Trust, Ventnor Botanic Gardens and some local farmers. All to no avail.
The discussion came to an end with Cllr Fitzgerald (Bond) proposing that the land on the Eastern Cliffs be abandoned for use as allotments.
The motion was passed (almost unanimously) to a round of applause from the audience.
Call for Land
Given there are people wanting allotments and that the Town Council have been trying for years to locate suitable land that fits in with the regulations and resident’s views, Cllr Fitzgerald agreed it find out if it would be possible to compulsory purchase land for this purpose.
If you know of anywhere that you think may be appropriate, please let the Ventnor Town Council know or encourage the land owner to get in touch.
Image: Allotment scarecrow by doustpauline
