Community farm Management told to quit over animal welfare
COUNCIL chiefs have halted the imminent closure of Hartcliffe Community Park Farm, but slammed the management team there for failing the animals in their care.
Deputy Mayor Asher Craig has told those running the farm that she’s still committed to there being a community farm at the council-owned site, but the people who run it now will have to quit, or the whole place will close.
In a damning statement, Cllr Craig said council officers were taking the course of action they were because of concerns for the state of the facility and the welfare of the animals there.
“This situation has arisen due to a complete failure of management at the farm which is having detrimental effects on the welfare of the animals there,” said Cllr Craig, who is the cabinet member for communities.
“This is why the management team were served notice to leave 12 months ago,” she added.
“The most important priority for us is ensuring the animals are OK, so we’ve granted an extra nine months, on top of the 12 months they’ve already had to sort this out.
“We’re waiting for the verdict from the Animal Welfare team and will request a further independent assessment from a vet if needed.
“In the meantime we’re talking to Horseworld and the allotment occupants about future plans but I am committed to the site being a farm in future, whatever the outcome of these conversations.”
The Post reported last week that the farm faced closure at the end of February because the lease from the council is due to run out and wouldn’t be renewed.
We revealed the farm’s trustees and the council had been in talks with Horseworld, with the hope that the Whitchurch-based horse charity would come in and take over the running of the community facility on March 1.
Late last month, Horseworld said they needed more time, but the council refused to give the farm management more time, and issued a notice reminding them to be out by February 28.
Now, however, following a meeting between local councillor and farm trustee Tim Kent and deputy mayor Asher Craig, the trustees have been given nine months to sort themselves out and find new backers – either Horseworld or another third party – or the farm will close for good.
Cllr Kent said he was pleased that Cllr Craig had given them more time to find a rescue plan.
The farm and all its tenants – including a playgroup, bike repair business, carpentry workshop, allotments and a food-growing collective – had been told they would have to leave by March 1, as the lease would not be renewed, but the announcement on Thursday that a public meeting would be held to discuss the future offered a glimmer of hope.
A meeting of the farm’s board, and around 40 volunteers, was held last week and voted unanimously to back the Horseworld project.
Before Cllr Craig’s comments about the farm’s management, farm manager Rocky Pearce said he was delighted with the temporary reprieve.
“We have been here for 40 years and our project is the communities. I am delighted that the council will not force us to shut the gates,” he said.
“Whatever happens it is essential a community farm remains for the benefit of Hartcliffe residents.”
A public meeting to discuss the future of the farm will still be taking place, but without the imminent threat of closure.
The meeting is going to be at the Hartcliffe Community and Social Club on Monday, February 17, from 7pm.
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The most important priority for us is ensuring the animals are OK so we’ve granted an extra nine months, on top of the 12 months they’ve already had to sort this out