School may close (From Gazette Series)

School may close

A POPULAR riding school may have to close because of new government rules on farming subsidies.

Renee Watkins runs Hillesley Riding School at Lower Kilcott Farm where she keeps 20 horses and ponies.

She has, however, now been told by her landlord that she must find somewhere else for the school because the farmer will no longer be entitled to a subsidy if she stays.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has introduced a Single Payment Scheme - a new way farmers will receive farm subsides from Europe under the Common Agricultural Policy.

To be eligible for the payment, a claimant must be a farmer who exercises an agricultural activity, and land that supports that claim has to be at the farmer's disposal for at least a 10-month period.

"The reason I have been told I have to move is because of the new DEFRA rules on the way government is going to fund farming." Miss Watkins told the Gazette.

"My landlord mentioned to me in February that I might have to move out. Then he said last week that we will have to find somewhere else to have the riding school.

"We have got until July to move but the riding school licence runs out soon and you can't have a riding school without a licence."

Miss Watkins has run the yard since 2003 when she took over management of the riding stables. She has the use of a 30 metre by 60 metre outdoor arena and offers training for BHS and NVQ qualifications.

She continued: "It is really difficult to find somewhere else to go because there isn't really a lot about locally.

"When we were told, it was a shock. We have quite a few customers and it will be difficult to find somewhere for them to ride.

"We don't want to give the riding school up because we've built up a really good customer list. It would be a real shame if we had to close down."

Mr Thompson declined to comment on the matter.

BLOB Anyone who can help Hillesley Riding School find a new location can call Miss Watkins on 01453 843028.