It's not about the rise, it's how the rise is applied. As for people having more than one plot, well, these stalwarts, like Eric, have held plots from a time when others didn't want them. The council couldn't give them away! Now allotments are trendy, there are plenty of people who take a romantic view of "grow your own". Truth be told, they wont last 2 seasons away from the comfort of their Sky box!

Allotments are a recreational facility provided by the council, just like bowling greens, tennis courts, and swimming pools. For a council to raise revenue by increasing charges for one facility at a much greater rate than the others is discriminatory, as judges have ruled in previous cases where this has gone to court.

This is widely known in allotment circles following Alex Mullins' case earlier this year, but some councils are pressing on with planned increases anyway, hoping that the prospect of large legal bills will deter allotment holders from making a stand. How many more cases will there need to be before councils start respecting the law?

@lorraine edmondson

These chaps have enough time to maintain 5 allotments that a 'few' people get to enjoy - why not pass some of these skills onto the younger generation or maintain some of the public areas in the town - something that benefits the many - rather than the few?

I agree with the increase. The allotments have been cheap for far too long. Still very good value at double what they were.

I applied for an allotment 18 mounths ago but was told I would have to wait 3 to 4 years. I would be happy to pay the new rents yet ex council member has 3 I agree with walney lad this shouldnt happen its greed and a joke.

The fact is that there is a shortfall in funding for the allotments of £55,000. This money has to be found from somewhere. If Mr Wood is not happy with the increase maybe he should come with an alternative. He could give up on his allotments too. There is a huge waiting list for allotments and I for one would not object to paying the increased cost if it meant I could have one. The rest of the town shoudnt subsidise the allotments they must break even

The rents are very low ,even allowing for the increase. I bet most of the men drive to the allotment in newish cars anyway. Poor pensioners ? Who are they tying to kid ?

@lorraineedmonson. Having 5 is even worse than Eric Wood! So why does anyone need 5 allotments in the first place? Not just "for a reason to get up". More likely as they make a few quid on the side, growing this and that, then selling it on tax free while being subsidised by the tax payer.

I can understand those with a small plot that keeps them going, but 5 plots? they are doing more than just pottering around keeping a bit of a garden or growing a few veg for themselves. I've seen these people you are on about and they are like mini farmers, why should we subsidise their income?

Why should we be subsidising allotments for a few people with £55k? To put it in perspective they are paying 83p rent a week which will rise to £1.65 a week, admittedly a big hike in percentage terms, but it is hardly a massive increase in reality.

Kids are being charged over £8 a week to get to school, food has shot up by more as have other household bills, stuff that people can't live without. These aren't subsidised so why should public money be spent for the benefit of a few people on a luxury item? There are far more essential things that the money could be put towards other than a few allotments.

Also, how the hell does Eric Wood have 3 allotments? A neighbour of mine has been waiting for one for a long time but has never been offered one, yet an ex-councillor has three! Hmmmm. Sounds like a typical politician, out to look after himself and forget the rest of us.

...even at £86 a year the rents are still less than the cost of a pint of lager a week. I'm not getting why these folk think it's ok for us to subsidise their hobby... Any chance of a tax payees subsidy for my golf club membership?