HEREFORDSHIRE Council has procured an agent to produce the programme of disposal of its smallholdings.

The tender was won through a formal procurement process and the winning bidder was Fisher German, who specialise in rural estate sales.

The disposal plan was approved at Cabinet in April.

It identified the need to minimise timescales and ensure the best value for money, and it was decided that an agent should be used to help market the assets.

In line with the commitment already given, tenants will be provided with the opportunity to purchase their own holdings, provided best value is achieved.

The programme of proposed sales is expected to appear before Cabinet in October.

Tenants with “lifetime” and “retirement” tenancies will remain in their properties under their current terms.