Tenant farmers in Herefordshire are saying they are 'devastated' after being told by the council to leave their farms so the council can sell the land.
In February, Herefordshire Council issued notices to 'farm business' tenants, two months after agreeing to sell all of its county farms prompting a petition to be launched in a bid to persuade the council to reverse its decision.
The council said the sale provided "best value" for taxpayers' money. The farming estate runs over 4,800 acres (19.42 sq km) of land in a number of locations across the county.
Tenant Farmers' Association chief executive George Dunn said the council was 'steamrolling ahead' with no regard for the impact of its actions.
"At the meeting of the Council’s Cabinet in December, various assurances were given which are not being followed through.
"The Cabinet also said that affected tenants 'would be supported through the process'. If kicking tenants out of their homes is being supportive, I would hate to see the Council taking a hardline!"
Life-time's work
Steve Clayton, a Rowlestone farmer, said the council had told tenants "no-one would be homeless" but some have been told to leave by September.
He told the BBC: "It's a life-time's work. At the moment we just don't know where we are going to be next year."
Patricia Morgan, deputy leader of the council, said: "As funding becomes ever tighter, the notices have been issued to ensure certainty for tenants and we will support tenants to ensure they receive the support and help they require."
Green Party councillor Jenny Bartlett said an opportunity to look at more creative ways of running the county estate had been missed.
"The decision was made with no real consideration of the options put forward by the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee working group, of which I was a member."
Clare Greener, NFU Herefordshire county adviser and spokesman, said: "Herefordshire farming families have faced serious upheaval throughout this process, unable to plan for the future, and they will be inconsolable.
"We understand there are pressures on council budgets but they are a valuable resource and properly managed can provide sustainable long term income; we remain convinced that they should not just be cashed in."
