Veronica Waller’s letter from the NFU about the proposed Internal Drainage board for the Lyth Valley (Letters, September 3, ‘Consultation did happen’) is, of course, accurate but misses the point!
The NFU have indeed consulted with the local farming community who they represent and who stand to benefit. They have also asked just local parish councils and South Lakeland District Council to comment and a few other organisations.
But they have not succeeded between them in opening a proper and democratic public consultation. Certainly nothing like that achieved when an IDB was last considered and overwhelmingly rejected in 2011.
As this week’s uniquely well attended parish meeting in Brigsteer illustrated, the vast majority of local residents object to using funds raised from all SLDC Council Tax payers to support a handful of farmers without proper consultation.
With proper consultation and appropriate representation on the Board of an IDB, this could be set up to look after the interests of ALL parties in the IDB area, including conservation bodies.
Steve Curl
Underbarrow
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