Clee Liberty Common
Consultation on Possible Environmental Scheme and Compensation for Commoners.
Dear Commoner,
As has been explained elsewhere, the Parish Council wishes to support a proposal by the Major Graziers (Heighways and Dahns) to enter into a Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement with the RPA.
The Major Graziers can only enter into the Higher Tier agreement if they are confident that the other 43 commoners will continue, for the next 10 years, to do exactly what they have been doing for the last 10 years (i.e. not putting any livestock on the common).
To facilitate the situation the Parish Council is prepared to offer compensation to commoners in return for signing an agreement to keep their livestock off the common for the next 10 years. The proposed amounts are a flat rate of £25 per annum for each commoner with up to 50 rights, £75 per annum for those with 51 - 100 rights, £150 per annum for those with 101 – 200 rights, and £250 for those with more than 201 rights. Commoners who are unsure of the numbers of common rights that they possess can simply claim the minimum amount. Alternatively they can contact the Parish Council chairman who may be able to clarify the situation for them (mike.hardingham@btinternet.com or 01584 823543).
Some commoners (including several members of the Parish Council) have already indicated that they will sign the agreement without claiming the compensation, in which case the compensation will be redirected to the maintenance of the common.
A provisional proposed text of the agreement is attached, although some changes are likely once we have had feedback from commoners.
Mike Hardingham
Parish Council Chairman
29/10/19