Strategy 'should put right years of neglect by previous council'

THE FORMER Dorset County Council has been blamed for years of neglect over more than 5,000 acres of council-owned farms.

- TREVOR BEVINS

Many are said to be in a poor state and in need of investment and urgent maintenance according to a report which sets out a new strategy for the farms, originally set up to help people into the industry.

Hill Forts and Upper Tarrants councillor Sherry Jespersen said the new strategy should put right the years of neglect by the previous council. She told Thursday's Cabinet meeting that Dorset Council should not shy away from investing in its farms estate, although there would be competition from other services.