Bullen Lane allotment owners given notice of sites closure

David Osben from Bramford near Ipswich, has had an allotment at Bullen Lane in the village and invested thousands of pounds worth of work went into it.

In that time, he has grown a plum tree, and other fruit trees on the land.

David's allotment (Image: David Osben)

However, just a few days ago, he received a notice of termination on his plot of land, giving him a year to clean everything up.

The 70-year-old said: "I was absolutely gutted.

"It's such a shame, it's an asset to the village, and is a space for relaxation and peace.

David Osben (Image: David Osben)

"I am 70, I can't take all the things down and put them up somewhere else, I haven't got it in me.

"I've really enjoyed having this, it's been something I have woken up really looking forward to now I am retired."

The letter given to allotment owners from the land owner, states that 'many of the allotment plots are now uncultivated, and parts are becoming unmanaged, resulting in parts of the area becoming overgrown and weed infested.'

David Osben (Image: David Osben)

It goes on to state: 'Unfortunately, we are not able to enforce the maintenance of the plots properly or to undertake the necessary clearance ourselves.

'The income from the area is insufficient to pay for this work to be done by a contractor.

'As a result, we have taken the difficult decision to terminate all agreements with effect from October 11, 2024.'

David's allotment (Image: David Osben)

There is fear from allotment owners that the land could be sold on to become a property development site.

Allotment owners are hoping that the council might step in and take over ownership of the allotments, allowing them to continue their land.

David's allotment that he has had for the last five years (Image: David Osben)