Farmer to remove concrete blocks and tyres amid council dispute

A Thames Valley farmer has decided to remove tractor tyres and concrete blocks from his field boundaries following a council ultimatum.

Buckinghamshire Council had given Colin Rayner, a director of J Rayner & Sons, until 31 January to remove the items from his land in Richings Park – or face the possibility of formal action.

Mr Rayner has informed his solicitor he has decided to remove the tyres and the concrete blocks, because he could not face the prospect of a court case.

He now fears his farmland will be trashed by joyriders and deer poachers.

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“I have decided to remove the tyres and concrete blocks. I will have to except my crops that will be destroyed when the cars are driving on my fields and all the crime that will then result,” wrote Mr Rayner.

© J Rayner & Sons

“We started removal of the tyres and concrete blocks last Sunday. I am too exhausted to fight another legal battle.”

He added that he would send photos of the crop damage that will result next week when the tyres and concrete blocks have all gone.

In a statement sent to Farmers Weekly, Peter Strachan, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at Buckinghamshire Council, said although the council sympathised with Mr Rayner’s situation, the use of 50 old tyres dotted along a 250m stretch of the roadside was “unacceptable”.

The council advised Mr Rayner to use its Planning Advisory Service in future to establish if any proposals require planning permission and if they are deemed suitable in planning terms.