One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting on 31 January 2024 was the experiment with combination locks at the two pedestrian gates to the Site. From the perspective of the Committee, the experiment was a failure as the locks were difficult for some to use - in particular, for people with eyesight problems or at dusk. There had been reports of people without a torch being trapped in the Site as dusk had fallen. The lock at the North gate had been damaged soon after its introduction, losing the button on the slider. Further, in practice, some people left the locks on their combination.
The lock at the South gate is now broken. A member of the Comittee has brought that to the attention of the Allotment Administrator, who has said that she has made arrangements for the broken lock to be replaced with an equivalent.
One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting on 31 January 2024 meeting was the repair and management of the brook ditch that runs along the western boundary of the Site. The water flowing along the ditch, when it is able to flow, eventually drains into Beverley Brook. Merton used to periodically clear the ditch of overgrown vegetation and dredge it, to keep it free flowing. This has not happened now for a number of years. In addition, the builders of a housing block on Coombe Lane have laid pipes along the ditch and pumped from their excavations beside the brook into the ditch, further adversely affecting its drainage. The Committee understands that damage to the ditch has increased the incidence of flooding of neighbouring plots.
During 2023, the Parks Team commissioned a report into the ditch as part of a wider investigation into the relationship between the Site and the neighbouring site.
The Committe understand that surveyors instructed by Merton were on the Site on 26 March 2024, looking at the ditch and its condition.
One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting on 31 January 2024 was the management of Japanese Knotweed at the Site. Only a small number of plots are affected but, for the plot holders affected, the effects can be profound. It usually takes at least three to four seasons to eradicate Japanese Knotweed using weedkiller, although professional contractors have access to more powerful weedkillers that can reduce this period by half.
There is a long history (at least a couple of decades) of Japanese Knotweed at the Site and at sites neighbouring the Site on the far side of the brook ditch that runs along the western boundary of the Site. During 2023, the Parks Team commissioned a report into the management of Japanese Knotweed at the Site.
Affected plot holders understand that they will lose the use of parts of their plots neighbouring the book ditch while professional contractors seek to erradicate the weed. On 15 March 2024, two members of the Committee (also directly affected) wrote to Merton seeking clarity over what was planned and its timing. They understand that any works will not start until September or October 2024.
