IR,

Further to Sarah's letter in last week's Monmouthshire Beacon and the subsequent letter from Paul Kedwood.

Council smallholdings are there to allow entrants into farming and provide a means of progression within the industry.

This concept has not even been considered by Monmouthshire County Council, instead there is a proposal which has been put forward completely behind closed doors from one individual.

I believe that the general public should be made aware that the farm which is probably worth in the region of £1.2 million is being valued at £750,000, a value put forward by Ms Humble and the only valuation sought by the council, instead of the usual three as done by other councils.

Ms Humble is paying only £525,000 up front, the remainder to be paid in 10 years time should the farm be sold.

Any other increase in value in this time is to be divided between the council and Ms Humble in a 30/70 proportion.

The whole deal has been conjured up behind closed doors, out of the realm of public scrutiny and to the exclusion of any other proposals.

While the proposal looks very appealing on paper it seems like a very good money making opportunity, but not for the rate payers of the county.

Many farmers within the area have enquired as to the future of the farm and been fobbed off with a variety of excuses from council officers.

There is a high demand for council farms due to the lack of opportunities for those to enter the industry and the council should be supporting young local farmers, not giving preferential treatment to someone due to a status.

Helen Beale

(Penallt)