Allotment holders raised concerns about proposals to increase fees during a meeting.

Members of the City Neighbourhoods committee heard the views members of a number of residents’ associations in a debate about allotment fees on Wednesday June 28.

The committee oversees the management of assets in the centre of St Albans, including city centre allotments, but it is currently looking at options to increase the annual fees paid by allotment holders.

Current fees do not cover the cost to St Albans City and District Council of servicing and maintaining the sites.

At the meeting a representative of the combined allotments associations, Christine Hood, raised concerns about the highest fee increases proposed.

Ms Hood asked the committee to consider the “management services” allotment holders provide for free when looking at fees, including advising new allotment holders and maintaining communal areas.

She also said allotments contribute to biodiversity and help improve the health of the holders by encouraging exercise, a fresh diet and social interaction.

Ms Hood said: “We do provide an awful lot. I don’t know how that could be costed, but it needs to be taken into consideration.”

Other representatives of groups including Longacres Residents Association, Charrington Place Residents Association and Jubilee Residents Association suggested a rate of inflation increase instead.

Some members felt that all options “should be considered” by the committee.

Cllr Alun Davies, chair of the City Neighbourhoods committee of St Albans City and District Council, said: “Committee members listened to the views of allotment holders that were kindly put forward at the meeting by Christine.

“The presentation promoted a lengthy and detailed debate and we will now make a decision on fees at our September meeting.

“As Chair, I was pleased to welcome onto the committee these four new member residents’ associations. They join eleven other residents’ associations and help bolster the membership of the committee which also includes elected District Councillors.”

The committee will now make a decision on allotment fees at its next meeting on September 27.

During the meeting, the committee also received an update on the new replacement steps and ramp being installed at Clarence Park.

Weather permitting, the work should be completed and the entrance opened by the end of July.

Members were also provided with a report on play areas under the management of the Committee and possible funding sources for improvements.