Green fingered allotment holders from around Greenwich are planning to fight against the council’s plans to increase their fees.
A £21m package of cuts and savings recently unveiled by Greenwich Council includes a steep price hike for gardeners and growers at the borough’s 18 allotments – 2 of which are in SE10.
Allotments are measured in size using a system called “rods”. Prices currently vary between £3.50 and £8.50 per rod but the new costs will be £20 per rod in 2011/12 and £25 per by 2013/14. Allotment holders from outside of the borough will pay double.
One allotment owner told Greenwich.co.uk that the net result of the changes is that his allotment will rise from £67 per year to £200.
A spokesperson for the allotment holders commented “Allotments foster a sense of community among diverse nationalities and income groups. They should not be priced to appeal only to the rich. They help keep older people healthier and happier – thus probably saving money on the Council’s social services budget. The Council is sending out the wrong message”.
Representatives from the allotment holders are planning to be a thorn in the council’s side over the proposals, and will be attending a meeting at the town hall on Thursday night (20th) to raise their concerns.
There’s a long waiting list for allotments and the council no longer accepts applications from non-residents because of the strong demand.
The council admitted that tonight’s meeting was the first that many had heard about the price increase. But they did agree to hold another “consultation” meeting early in February. Greenwich allotment holders should contact their local councillors and keep their eyes and ears open for the date of this next meeting.
The next consultation meeting will be at
6PM next WED 9th FEB in WOOLWICH TOWN HALL.
Seems like Greenwich don’t want anyone to actually know about this though.
They haven’t written or emailed plotholders. The allotments officer isn’t even allowed to tell people who phone her up when it is.
that’s democracy at work…..