Under threat!
By TMX Archives on 12th Apr 05
Off-road sport in the UK has been dealt a potential knock-out blow by a ruling from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on grants for farmers.To cut a long story short, any farmers or landowners hoping to qualify Off-road sport in the UK has been dealt a potential knock-out blow by a ruling from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on grants for farmers.To cut a long story short, any farmers or landowners hoping to qualify for the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) - basically an EU grant - will not be able to hold any sort of motorised sporting event on their land during the 10-month qualifying period for the SPS. So that's trials, MX and enduro out of the window...The ACU has suggested a number of ways enthusiasts can help fight the proposals. These include...Seeking an interview with your local MP, accompanied if possible by a farmer/landowner who has allowed events on their land.Providing the ACU with information on any farmer/landowner who may be willing to speak to their local papers.Informing the ACU of any event that's under threat or has already been cancelledProviding information where a farmer/landowner has already earmarked land for sport in their original submittance as they may be able to assist others.Providing relevant contact information if a farmer/landowner has been asked to resubmit his claim because of an event taking place on their land.ACU chief executive Neil Hellings is taking the threat seriously. "I estimate that between the BSMA, AMCA and ourselves the number of events threatened is likely to be the majority of around 4000 off-road events organised each season."It really is now or never, especially for the smaller club events that form the backbone of our sport and historically have relied upon the goodwill and community spirit of local landowners."While the initial prognosis seems to be all doom and gloom, there is cause for optimism. Neil Hellings is hopeful that DEFRA's decision can be reversed - "I honestly believe that they were not aware as to just how popular off-road sport is" - and off-road pressure group LARA, after consulting with a leading QC, feels that the DEFRA ruling could be successfully challenged in the High Court.Watch this space...