UK: Plot owner evicted from allotment after 40 years accuses council of ‘bullying’
Hartlepool Council say the decision is the culmination of a “lengthy and detailed investigation” into the conduct of John Hays
By Katie Anderson
Teesside Live
May 25, 2021
Excerpt:
John Hays, the Chairman of the Garden Club at Burn Valley Allotments, was asked to leave his premises last week on account of him allegedly facilitating sub-letting of another plot and installing additional entrances to that area.
The council have also claimed he caused “harassment, alarm and distress” to tenants of two other plots, and “hindered” a duly appointed officer carrying out inspections at the allotment.
The 56-year-old denies the allegations, arguing that he hasn’t ever restricted access to plots or installed additional entrances, and is calling on the council to look at their CCTV cameras to prove his innocence.
He said: “I feel very depressed and down about the situation, it was horrible having to move my things out of the plot.
“It’s completely out of order that I’m being kicked out after four decades, especially based on what I believe is hearsay.
