As the consultation period on the future of the County farms draws to a close on December 14th, Jeremy Lefroy – Conservative PPC for Stafford and Penkridge - has set out why he considers that the farm service must be retained.

“In my submission to the County Council, I have pointed out how important agriculture is to Staffordshire and how important, in turn, the County’s farms are to agriculture here.

“They still serve the purpose for which they were intended – to provide a way into farming for our young men and women who do not have the capital to set up on their own.

“There is no question that there is a demand for this service – there are nearly 10 applicants for every vacancy. Nor is it running at a loss – indeed it contributes some £400,000 a year to the County after all management and administration costs have been deducted.

“Once sold, the farm estate would be gone for ever; a strategic asset disposed of to meet short-term funding needs. Many decisions have been taken in the past which we have lived to regret – the closure of railway lines in the 1960’s, the pulling down of centuries-old town centres to make way for ugly buildings are themselves demolished after 30 years. The County Council has the chance to avoid another such major mistake here by retaining the county farms for future generations of young people in Staffordshire.”