Report reveals problems with Northumberland uplands' economy

Farmers, shepherds, businesses and community representatives from the uplands have given their views to the CRC at recent hearings in Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria, as part of a national inquiry which will result in a report to the Prime Minister on the way forward.

People and organisations now have until the end of this month to submit final evidence to the CRC, which will then make recommendations to Gordon Brown on how Government policy can help upland communities become more secure, prosperous and sustainable.

Key issues which have been raised in the past few weeks at hearings in the North include:

• Strict planning controls in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty make it difficult for farmers to increase production by using new, modern and bigger constructions.
• The poor quality or absence of broadband and mobile phone coverage in upland areas restricts business opportunities and constrains potential growth.
• There are limited economic opportunities in the hills if things go wrong. One description of the options available to the uplands was 'grouse, sheep or forestry'.



• The 'big is best' philosophy in Government policy-making is proving enormously damaging to rural areas.

Yesterday Mark Shucksmith, professor of planning at Newcastle University and part of the CRC inquiry panel, said: "The hearings have brought up many significant issues that Government needs to address.

"Some participants felt that disadvantage in upland communities is largely the same as in any other community, but the lack of significant clusters of need means it is generally hidden, not picked up in statistics, and goes largely unaddressed."

'REPORT MUST NOT BE SHELVED'

Northumberland hill farmer Malcolm Corbett says there should be more recognition and reward for the efforts of the farmers, shepherds and land managers who care for England's uplands.

In his evidence to the CRC panel, he called on the Government to provide more financial support for those who work the hills and moorlands, and safeguard the landscape for the vital tourism industry.

Mr Corbett, pictured, an NFU representative who farms at Rochester near Otterburn, said: "Hill farmers and shepherds manage the uplands and, because of the terrain and longer winters, there will always be a need for state support. If the importance of farmers is not recognised and rewarded then the whole area will suffer.

"There is a problem with the economics of hill farming and financial support is needed.

"We do have issues with planning because here in the National Park there appears to be an attempt to fossilise things, and many young people have to leave because of a lack of housing.

"This report must not just be put on a shelf and forgotten. It needs to recognise that the farming community in the uplands does an awful lot more than just keep sheep and cattle."