From October 2008 to the early summer of 2009 Thames Water took over most of the site to install a 3metre square pipe to prevent sewage overflow in times of heavy rain. Although the work has been completed and we are (almost) back to normal we have lost more than just a year of crops. Our grass path has been replaced with Grasscrete which in many ways is less than satisfactory. The soil level is uneven, the grass still requires further seeding and the overall look is rather unsightly. The heavy machinery used by the contractors compacted the soil and some sites are difficult to work with less depth to the soil than we used to enjoy.
However, many of us appreciate that there is a silver lining. Thames Water compensated the Society with funds to build a storage shed with toilet facilities. We have now received planning permission from Croydon Council and have paid the deposit to our supplier. We hope to be able to enjoy the new facilities before Christmas, and certainly in time for next year’s AGM in March 2011.
The building will take up about one third of Site no.1, next to the entrance. This site has been rendered virtually unworkable due to soil compaction and shallow soil levels, so we will have to think about how best to use the site. We still have sufficient funds to build raised beds and paths. Ideas for the management of these, for example by community groups or disabled could be explored.
Photos showing Thames Water works in our allotment
