An open letter to the Rye Amenity Community Interest Company (CIC) directors :
I would like to alert you and your members of the CIC that there is a feeling amongst allotment plot holders that the CIC is not functioning any more. It might be useful to explain to us what the problem is, and a couple of us are very willing to help with any necessary administration.
A) People who have tried at length to get hold of you to find out where on the waiting list they are, or how many plots are available, have not heard back.
B) The CIC has only sent out some invoices, but most have not received one for last and this year. If it goes on, a few plot holders might find it difficult to pay 2/3 years worth when they eventually get the invoice.
C) We would quite like to know if the public liability insurance has been paid should the CIC be short of money.
D) A local plot holder has relocated to Germany, and he had about five plots. Myself, I share one of his with a friend, and the one next to us is also taken. However, there must be at least 2/3 empty ones and, since he has left, others have become available. There are several locals who are waiting for a plot and are not sure which number on the list they are. Where is the list and how many are on there? I realise it is difficult to name names because of data protection, but it would be useful for those on the list to get an email with details.
The silence from the CIC raises questions and anxieties for locals as we do not want the two sites to revert back to Rother Council. You did a great job initially to form the CIC and get a lengthy lease, which we are thankful for, but the present situation is not sustainable.
I offered my help before the lockdown when things were difficult for you and I offer it again as my next door allotment holder has done. We can, with you, sort out who has paid, who needs an invoice for both Rye allotment sites, and other issues like the waiting list. I wondered what the lease stipulates ? Maybe it allows you to co-opt one or two new members which would be helpful to the CIC. Myself, as many others, would appreciate to hear from you rather than let these feelings of unrest and anxiety continue.
[Editor's note: The current directors of the Rye Amenity CIC are Ian Potter, Pat Hughes and Shaun Rogers, all Rye Town councillors]
