'Crumbling' cars at farm despite council efforts

A collection of classic and modern vehicles, some of which are deteriorating, are still dotted around a farm despite council efforts to have them cleared away.

Herefordshire Council sent Mark Dew of Doward Farm near Whitchurch, an enforcement notice regarding "old/scrap cars, vans and non-agricultural vehicles" on the site.

The notice gave 30 days from 19 January to permanently remove the vehicles from the farm, unless he lodged an appeal.

About 30 cars, vans, tractors and caravans in varying states of repair can still be seen at the farm in late February. The LDRS has previously attempted to contact Dew for comment.

A large part of his collection was sold at an open-air auction at the farm last summer.

One neighbour, who didn't want to be named, described their view as an "ugly morass of crumbling vehicles", which had been there for many years and which they believed represented only part of Dew's collection.

Another neighbour said: "I'd like them moved, I think we all would," adding that they had had no communication from Dew or the council.

The local authority also served a enforcement notice to the farm in 2019, which did not appear to lead to any further action.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson added: "The council's enforcement team is aware of the situation.

"We are reviewing our position before deciding on the next course of action."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.