One word...Bogus.....

Sorry, I have had the letter now for a few days now, and been wondering how to proceed.......and also to calm down a little. The letter from the Interim Chief Executive's offer, changes the RPA's position on the rational about our Category B classification, not because we are a motor sport, not because we are likely to cause damage in the pursuit of the activity but because the land is "likely" to require "preparation" that would be inconsistent with normal farming activities. In my head I am screaming "B******T, have you not read your own regulations!!". Preparation of the kind described in the letter, under the regulations would require a change of use permission and at most a planning permission permit. All that is required is that the land be able to be able returned to Agricultural purposes within 14 days. Are they suggesting it take 2 weeks for a group of kiters to pack up and push off because a farmer wants to plough his field!?!?! Are they also suggesting that preparation by a heard of sheep to be against their regulations ......really this is Barrow boy ducking and diving at its worst. This has got to be costing them more than writing our sport in the list and posting it in the next issue. The RPA's approach to this is Bovine in the extreme. None the less ....now I have calmed down....I have replied courteously and professionally to Mr Cooper, directly and not to his MP, contesting this new position so we will see what new position they will adopt next. I last wrote to him in August so on that guide we will wait to hear from him in the New Year. It is becoming increasingly important that we get the numbers up on the campaign, this change of position for the third time proves that we are on the right track and that we shouldn't give up. So get out there and pass the link to the petition to anyone you know with any kind of access to the Internet. Oh and if anyone knows a Lawyer who will do Pro Bono work of this kind, pass on the link to this blog, any and all help will be greatly appreciated. For those of who have pledged evidence letters about the impact of the sport on the land, we may yet need them, so please keep them in mind.