SL Feature on Uttoxeter - Lower Loxley Farm, David BrookesA PROMINENT farmer in the region has pledged to support rural businesses set to be impacted by the arrival of high-speed rail to the region.
David Brookes, chairman of the Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromley and Burton branch of the National Farmers Union (NFU) chaired a meeting held for Staffordshire members, some of whom lie in the proposed impact zone of HS2, concerned about what the future holds for them.
The Mail reported yesterday how Luke Mellor, who runs a farm near Yoxall, is facing the prospect of losing his home and livelihood with the tracks set to cut his farm in two.
He along with around 200 other concerned farmers attended the meeting held in Stafford.
Mr Brookes told the Mail: “The meeting was held to offer advice and gauge farmers’ reaction about the best way to minimise disruption to both farmers and rural businesses.
“We have 1,100 members as well as around 600 from rural businesses, so we represent a lot of people in the county.
“There was more than 200 people at the meeting - it was standing room only. Farmers are very concerned that they are being blighted by the prospect of losing their homes and businesses.
“But the NFU will be here to help them through it as more information trickles through.”
