What London allotment waiting lists?

[maggienetball]

I watched GW last night and Jo Swift managed not only to get his hands on an immediate allotment but he also had a choice of sites and, 3 months after choosing, the original one he turned down, was still available.

Now what does that say about waiting lists in London? I keep hearing that there is a 10 year wait but then I see Jo Swift getting his pick.

I'm pretty sure that this gives the wrong impression of a/ need for allotments, and b/ the reality of getting an allotment.

Let's be real here. If you live in an area where you have had to wait for a plot to come up, you aren't really going to turn it down and wait for a better one are you? Not unless it is really really bad.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

[charlie]

Yeah, was intrigued when i heard that there didn't seem to be a waiting list.
Even in my neck of the woods there's a fairly long wait.

[Thurston Garden]

I watched GW last night

I have been trying to watch it on BBCiplayer but gave up after seeing nothing but the birling circle! Might get up v. early tomorrow and try again!

[ina]

Excuse an ignoramus - what is GW?

[charlie]

Gardeners World.

[ina]

Cheers!

[Mal]

He must have been very lucky - I applied when I used to live in Lewisham and got about 2 years through the 4 year waiting lists before I moved out of the area.

It's amazing what TV can do for you.

[magenta flame]

I watched GW last night and Jo Swift managed not only to get his hands on an immediate allotment but he also had a choice of sites and, 3 months after choosing, the original one he turned down, was still available.



Anyone else have any thoughts?

Yes , what's an allotment?

[magenta flame]

sorry never mind looked it up

[Wotta Wally]

I had to wait nearly 2 years to get one in my village and just got my bill for this year. About £24 for 137m2. Mentioned this to Mum who is the Clerk to her local Parish Council in south-west Essex, just off the M11/M25. She was astonished - they have LOADS of spare lotties - so much so, they are letting them go for £4.50pa! And they are larger than mine Such a shame as the council is therefore pondering whether to sell the land off. AND it has running water which mine doesn't.