VILLAGE leaders admit they may be forced to increase the price of allotment plots.

Overton Parish Council discussed the possibility of a price hike at last week’s meeting, with councillors claiming rates will have to rise to keep up with increasing running costs.

The plans could see the prices rise from April 1 2015 by £1 per year from the current level of £7.50 per plot to £8.50 for 12 months.

Some councillors suggested hiking the price to £10, but that was rejected on the grounds it would be too steep a rise.

An official agreement is yet to be reached, with council bosses keen to discuss their options with current plot owners before making a final decision.