It seems Southampton allotment holders will have to dig significantly deeper to pay the rents on their plots, because the Council may no longer fund maintenance and other services.
Update: there is a petition against these now confirmed cuts that can be signed in October Books on Portswood Road.
According to the Southampton Allotments and Gardens Association (SAGA), the current budget is expected to be completely withdrawn. The implication is that plotholders will need to fund maintenance, mailings, and potentially even a council staff salary, from their rents.
Rents could rocket
It’s thought that this could lead to at least a doubling of rents: the annual rent on an average plot at Witts Hill is currently Ł38 for a ten-rod* plot. However one allotment holder told us he thinks that the increase could be as much as Ł10 a rod, and that his fellow allotment holders certainly aren't happy with such increases, especially given the rising cost of gardening products.
Witts Hill Allotments
Consultation
According to SAGA, notification of the proposals will come later in January, but as budget decisions are made in February, they say this will leave no time for allotment holders to consult with each other before proposals are brought in.
Petition
The Association has launched a petition available to sign from its trading sheds (opening hours at Athelstan Road, Bitterne Road, Witts Hill and elsewhere from this link), or you can download a copy here, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. A petition with over 1500 names could force a council debate.
SAGA suggests residents can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., who is responsible for allotments, "to express your concerns and seek more clarification."
* apparently a 'rod' is "an ancient measurement equivalent to 302 square yards or 253 square metres." - source
Links
The history of allotments in Britain
Southampton Allotments and Gardens Association
Council allotment page
Echo: Allotment owners feel 'abandoned' by Southampton City Council's plans