Allotment holders take over 1,000 Rotherham plots

A new borough-wide body — Rotherham Allotments Alliance — will be responsible for letting, promoting and maintaining the land.

It follows several years of above-inflation rent increases as Rotherham Borough Council looked to cover costs with reduced resources.

The high fees have been given as a reason for new people choosing not to take up growing produce as a hobby.

But allotment holders think their new way of working — approved by RMBC on Wednesday (25) — could become a blueprint for other areas of the country.

Al Dean, secretary of Rotherham and District Allotment Association, said: “Allotments are a valuable community asset and should be held in high regard. 

“Many people have spent a good deal of time in preparing this blueprint for the future, with a good deal of work still to be expended in carrying it forward.

“The alliance, when proved successful, may well become a model of good practice throughout the UK.”

The council worked with the association to explore a new way of working to drive long-term improvement.

The year-long review found extensive work was needed to bring some of the 30 sites up to scratch. The council said up to £1 million may be needed eventually.

After it is formed in March, the alliance will be responsible for prioritising future investment and securing funding for improvements.

A council report said: “It is expected that self-managed bodies will be in a strong position to develop successful bids for grant funding. 

“Not only are they able to access funding not available to the council, the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers with good local knowledge will also be invaluable.”

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, said: “What came out really clearly from the review is that we have a number of sites that already self-manage.

“We saw allotment holders had better experience, being quicker to let plots, quicker to resolve issues. We are taking that and applying it across the whole district.

“The allotments are a fantastic resource and we’re really keen that holders are given the freedom to promote the allotments, make sure they are accessible and there’s a more diverse group of people using our allotments as well.”

She added: “I would like to pay tribute to the work of the association and pleased that we have agreed a bright new vision that aims to get more people from all walks of life enjoying the benefits of gardening.”

Changeover costs, including legal fees, have been estimated at £18,500 by the council. Voluntary Action Rotherham will provide the new alliance with advice and support.