We feel we must express our deep misgivings regarding the decision made by the Cabinet to sell Herefordshire Council’s Smallholdings.

We are deeply concerned on several counts. Firstly, we feel strongly, as do all of the residents we have spoken to in Castle Ward, that the decision to sell the smallholdings is short-sighted. Little confidence can be gained from a decision where much of it is hidden from examination. Other councils, for example Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, regard their council owned farms and tenants as valuable assets and are fully supportive of their efforts. Whereas in Herefordshire, the tenants would appear to have been made the scapegoat for mistakes. They are not to blame for the deficits elsewhere. They are hardworking and an essential part of their local communities. We are confident having spoken to tenants that if they were approached they would be very happy to cooperate with any rescue scheme that enables a financially viable portfolio of smallholdings to be retained.

Secondly, we are uneasy and uncomfortable about the way the decision was reached. We were led to believe that a review of the Council smallholdings was being carried out by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The proposal resulting from this review was summarily dismissed by the Cabinet without reference to the full council or tenants. This compromise solution was accepted by the majority of the stakeholders and kept the principal of smallholdings active in the County.

Finally we are appalled by the lack of communication and consultation between the Council personnel and the tenants. A press release issued by the Council referred to ‘ongoing communication’ with tenants and opportunities being made for existing tenants to purchase their smallholdings. Fifteen smallholders and their families have now been served notice to quit with little prior consultation or opportunity to discuss. Even at this late time there are tenants who have had no contact regarding opportunities for them to purchase the properties themselves or proposed amalgamation and rationalisation of the farms to give smaller more efficient units.

Part of the purpose of council owned smallholdings was to provide opportunities for young people wishing to get into farming. If we sell these farms, where will the farmers of the future get their opportunity to gain experience, new skills and a start in their career?

Herefordshire is a rural county and is very dependent on its agricultural base. These farms and farming families are an essential part of our rural community. Herefordshire cattle are known worldwide and the county takes pride that its name is known in association with this prestigious breed, development of which continues to contribute to food production across the globe. We should be supporting young farmers and those wishing to produce this and other breeds and crops. This is our university and should remain available for the future generations.

Having spoken to a large number of residents in this ward we have yet to find anyone in support of the decision to sell. If other counties who have these holdings can make them work, why can’t Hereford? It is not the fault of the smallholders but of poor management elsewhere.

Any large sale of land would inevitably devalue the properties being sold and will not realise the value of the properties the Council expects.

We request that you take time to meet the tenants and then review the proposal. A scheme to retain a much smaller, more financially viable portfolio would be well received and would be likely to be backed by the majority of tenants.

Cllr W C Skelton

Great Oak

Eardisley

Castle Ward

John Hope

Chairman Almeley Parish Council

Mr Alan Watkins

Chairman Eardisley Group Parish Council

Mr Austin Powles

Chairman Staunton-on-Wye Group Parish Council

Mr R Lloyd

Chairman Brilley Group Parish Council

Mrs J Greenfield

Chairman Kinnersley and District Group Parish Council