CLA meeting with Labour candidate Dr Sam Rushworth

In June, a small group of CLA members met with Dr Sam Rushworth, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (Bishop Auckland constituency) at the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services’ offices in Middleton-in-Teesdale. The purpose of the meeting was to set out the CLA’s Rural Powerhouse missions and to discuss rural issues as experienced by members with interests in the area.

Various issues were discussed, including sustainable and profitable farming, along with food security and the provision of ecosystem services against a backdrop of changes in farming support; planning policy and system reform, alongside affordable housing issues; grouse shooting on the moors and its value to the local economy; striking a balance between promoting Teesdale as a tourist destination (Durham Dales) without creating problems associated with over-crowding and irresponsible public access to the countryside; infrastructure related issues such as transport links, grid connections and capacity, and digital connectivity.

Members attending this meeting felt that it was constructive as it took stock of a variety of perspectives.