Access Threatened
Posted
A serious threat to public access to the countryside was one of the topics discussed at last night’s meeting of the Parish Council.
The Council were told that changes to the farmland stewardship scheme, which were due to come into effect on October 1st, could lead to major changes. Many fields in Denton could be affected.
Under the current scheme many farmers are paid to leave a 6 metre wide uncultivated strip round their fields to encourage wildlife and allow public access. Under government cutbacks this will change in the autumn and some of the land involved will be returned to cultivation and/or access will be restricted. Unfortunately, without financial support, farmers will not be able to leave the land unused.
The meeting also discussed the problems on some local footpaths which are no longer cleared by the County Council and agreed to take action themselves.