JUBILANT allotment holders are relieved after Halton Council has withdrawn its proposed 300 per cent rent rise.

As reported exclusively in The World, representatives on 15 sites and 349 plots across the borough were warned that their rents could rise from £31 to £100.

Many elderly, disabled and unemployed tenants said they couldn’t afford such a steep increase and would have been forced to give up their plots.

Frank Willco, secretary of Haddocks Wood Allotment Association in Runcorn, said: “We received an email from the council saying the proposed rent increase has been pulled and they are re-thinking. They are looking at other savings. It’s not a complete victory but we’re on the right track.

“Many of our members have been here for 40 years. We have a lot of pensioners who enjoy coming down here, having a chat and growing fruit and veg a lot cheaper than they can buy in the shops.

“There’s no fertilisers or chemicals, they’re eating fresh, healthy food.

“We’re going to keep on lobbying councillors.”

Dave Briscoe, chairman of Haddocks Wood, said: “This is commonsense. We are relieved.

“The feeling of plot holders is that any rise should be in line with inflation, not 300 per cent which is outrageous.”

Incensed growers joined forces on Facebook to form Halton Allotment Group.

Justine Teeling, aged 41, of Arkenstone Close, Widnes, said: “The people who have joined the group have been very supportive and provided information about rents in other local authority areas.”

A Halton Council spokesman said: “The council has to make savings and all service areas, including allotment plots which currently cost less than 60 pence per week, have to contribute towards savings.”