THE farm that bred 2003's UK champion grass boarder is fighting for survival.

Out to Grass, Cradley, where the village's 14-year-old Jack Herriot shot to fame with air beneath his feet last weekend, was served with a closure notice by Herefordshire Council days after the teenager's triumph.

It remains open only because owner Ian Johnson has lodged an appeal, suspending the notice. He has also applied for planning permission - for the fourth time.

Mr Johnson said the notice to close came as staff celebrated the centre's third birthday and a run of success at the biggest boarding competition of its kind in the world.

Kept awake

The grassy slopes saw 180 boarders in the competition's downhill event and 80 in the free style, proudly won by Jack. Jed Hornyold from Colwall scooped third overall in the UK.

"We had a champion and a third which is pretty good for a local centre," said Mr Johnson, who was told to close because temporary planning permission conditions protecting local residents from noise and interference had not been complied with.

He says that's 'absolute nonsense'. "The conditions issue all revolves around one neighbour who claims I have kept him up at night with flood lights shining through his windows. We have never had them. He says we blow the horn on the lift truck but it was disconnected the first day we had it. I'm open at the moment - and will continue to be forever."

Mr Johnson describes the grass board as 'a snow board on wheels'. "There's no noise, it creates no smell or pollution. It is the most environmentally sensitive farm diversification project I have come across.

"The centre is in line with government policy on farm diversification and outdoor activities for young people," he said.

Herefordshire Council has confirmed the notice to close has been suspended but had no comment to make. The appeal hearing is expected in about seven weeks time.