Members of Sheffield’s allotment societies have expressed concerns about the council’s support in the wake of recently announced rent increases.

From next January, allotment rents will increase by 2% across plots in the city, a rise the council says is in line with inflation.

Members of Hangingwater Allotments in Fulwood have claimed Sheffield’s rent charges are too high, and passionately believe a system similar to Leeds City Council would be better where rental charges are linked to the value of land as opposed to Sheffield’s pricing model which takes into account land prices and water and labour costs.

In Sheffield, the biggest plot available is 301 square metres, and costs £143.10 a year, compared to Leeds where the biggest plot of 250 square metres costs £81.

Members complained about lack of support from the council, claiming the water on the allotment site was shut off for two months as council workers were unavailable to fix the problem.

With 30-50% of rent going toward water costs, members felt this was “unacceptable”.

However, members of Woodseats Allotment Society welcomed the role of the council in managing their site, even declining to become independent as the group found the council’s involvement more convenient.

But Woodseat allotment users also said council support had declined in recent years, with site security and management causing issues.

Sarah, 64, is a retired nurse who has managed her plot in Woodseats since 2013 and is involved in the society’s activities, from working on charity events to helping set up starter plots and the society hub.

She said: “I am very happy and grateful to have the opportunity to work on the allotment and generally communication is effective.”

However, she also said “there has been a deterioration in services offered,” as rangers have been stretched too thin, meaning the society has taken on more responsibilities from the council such as sub-contracting to remove asbestos.

Hangingwater members claimed the number of rangers had dropped to just five across the city, while the quality of repairs had worsened and required more work.

Sheffield Wire approached the council for comment.