Daniel Kawczynski MP meets with NFU to tackle major issues.
In a key week for the agricultural industry, Danie Kawczynski MP met with farmers in Cruckton Village Hall to hear the voices and concerns of those who provide a service for the entire UK three times a day. Issues vary from well-known issues such as rural crime to less well-known matters like the mobile health clinic that has been attending the stock markets.
Rural crime has been a key issue for a long time now with organised crime gangs that are known to the police. The group was unanimous in agreeing that they do not feel safe when checking there stock at night and about how the police treat them following the event. One person said that “When following [the criminals] the police told me to stop and after sent a firearms officer to check if I had taken my gun with me.” The group felt unanimous about the current failings in tackling this issue.
Another issue raised was the council's current scheme using a mobile clinic to give farmers access to basic tests such as blood pressure tests. Over 700 appointments have been held with some being sent straight to hospitals for urgent care, The provision of this service if funded solely by the council with funding likely to be cut in the forthcoming year.
Finally, a discussion was held on the EA’s management of the local rivers and the plans to use farmland to hold water. The main problems with this are the loss of crop yields and biodiversity in the soil. As well as a lack of control over what land will be able to hold it. Concerns were raised about the EA’s concern more for other groups attempting to manage the river instead of them. Cases such as the islands created by the silt from the upstream in Shrewsbury. This is in addition to the current concerns that Mr Kawczynski has already raised about the EA’s current management style.
Thanks to the NFU for inviting Daniel to meet with them and to the local farms for making time in their day to voice their opinions.
