Matthew Vass, 39, has owned a small allotment in Fisherton Farm Allotment Site for four years, just a short walk from his house.
He said: “It’s a community space – we love it. We’ve got a garden, but it’s somewhere we can grow produce. It keeps us active and it’s good for your health, and you even see people coming in with kids.
“Some people put a lot of work into their allotments – it’s absolutely fantastic.”
In the latest budget, Salisbury City Council set out a 25 per cent rise in allotment fees for this year’s budget, which could see fees increase by £23 a year for some holders.
Told it was to cover rising maintenance costs, Matthew decided to start a petition as he felt that was not a sufficient answer.
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Speaking to the Journal, Matthew said he felt the fee increase was backed by a “lack of justification”, and that the allotments’ pathways, hedges and grounds are always maintained by the allotment users, not the council.
Matthew said: “I believe allotments should be accessible and affordable to have – we’ve had ours for years and we love it.
“This isn’t about the affordability, it’s about the principle.
Matthew Vass (Image: Newsquest) “I’m aware costs have gone up but I don’t agree with just saying that it’s a cost thing and just agreeing with it.
“What’s the value we’re going to see with the 25 per cent increase?”
Salisbury City Council has delayed collection of the fee for this month, but Matthew feels that it has “ignored” his main concern: that there is a “lack of justification” behind the increase.
Matthew added: “It’s the same as any community, I don’t think anyone should put up with it without the right challenge. It [the petition] would show people you can, if you’re unhappy about something, speak up and use your voice.
“You can’t just moan and not do anything about it.”
Salisbury City Council has been contacted for comment.
To view the petition, click here.