A PUBLIC inquiry into Ministry of Defence plans to compulsorily buy access and grazing rights to Warcop, Hilton and Murton commons is expected to draw to a close on July 22, with closing statements.
More farmers have signed up to the MoD's multi-million pound compensation deal for the extinguishment of their rights to land within Warcop army training area.
Around 97 per cent of commoners have now agreed to settle - up from 90 per cent.
Objectors this week gave evidence at the Tufton Arms in Appleby, including the Hilton and Murton Heritage and Rights Group, which believes night-time firing and the use of the Challenger ll tank would have a "devastating impact" on family life in the villages.
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