The removal of easy access water supply at a Chorleywood allotment site has been done in a "vindictive and underhand way", a plot holder says.

Dog Kennel Lane allotments have had their water pipes removed and replaced with water troughs.

Plot holder Stephen Fryer has claimed that he and other holders were not told in advance of the changes.

Read more

He added that the introduction of the water troughs, which are further away from the allotment plots, will make it harder for people to access the water easily and safely.

Mr Fryer, 74, said: “The Chorleywood Parish Council has made the changes with absolutely no consultation or discussion with the plot holders.

“It’s been done in a vindictive and underhand way.”

Mr Fryer, who has had a plot for 10 years, said he believes the change was due to too much water being used.

He said: “There are things they could have done, such as asking people to not use the sprinklers.

“They could also have asked us if we were prepared to pay an additional charge.”

Mr Fryer who lives in Rickmansworth also warned: “There is a danger of people hurting themselves if they must carry watering cans.

“The site is on the edge of the common and its slopes quite steeply.”

Parish Council chair Cllr Debbie Rosario said works to the water supply have been discussed at the parish council’s open spaces committee for the past 18 months.

She added the aim was to reduce water consumption.

Cllr Rosario said: “After fully considering the allotment tenancy agreement, the parish council does not accept the view that it was obliged to consult with plot holders prior to commencing the works.”

She added that plot holders could have accessed minutes from the committee’s council meeting where the works were discussed.

Cllr Rosario said: “The parish council does, however, accept that it should have given the plot holders advance notice of the commencement of the works. 

“It intends to offer an apology to the plot holders for this oversight.”

She added the council will consider putting a procedure in place to ensure plot holders are given advance notice of future work.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.