Rural crime will be on the agenda at a meeting being organised by Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham.
The meeting follows a visit by Alex to meet local farmers in and around the Stockton North constituency. Farmers were keen to raise their concerns about the increase in rural crime in the area. Agricultural rural crime includes issues such as theft of plant vehicles, equipment or livestock.
Alex has now secured agreement from the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable of Cleveland Police to come together and address these issues in a meeting for local farmers.
Rural crime was not the only concern, with issues of No Deal Brexit tariffs – which would include a 57% export tariff to the EU for cheddar and a 48% tariff for lamb – and the lack of incentives to encourage new entrants into farming being raised by local farmers.
Speeding traffic along the road from Longnewton to Teesside International Airport was also highlighted, resulting in Alex asking Stockton Borough Council to look at installing “slow tractor” signage on the road.
Alex said
Alongside the impact of No Deal which could kill local farming, and the decline of new entrants into the farming industry, local farmers told me that rural crime is hitting their livelihoods hard.
I’m pleased that the leaders of Cleveland Police have agreed to come together for a public meeting to discuss the specific issue of rural crime, and give local farmers the confidence they need to continue with their work knowing that their concerns are being addressed.
A date and time for the meeting will be announced shortly.