ECO farmers who could be facing eviction say they are ‘staying put’ despite being told to vacate a Yorkley farm this month.

The group of ’sustainable farmers’ at Yorkley Court Farm were given a deadline of September 9 to leave the site after they were denied permission to build 15 temporary homes at the site last year.

The farmers, who have been living at the site for three years, have been growing their own produce and running workshops for the local community.

Gunter Tyrson, who lives at the farm, said: “The issue is a civil and not a criminal matter so we will be staying here. We have no intention of leaving.”

A statement from the group said: “We are still here, living off the grid and growing our own food.

"We think it is very concerning that the council rejected our planning application, which had wide local support and an ecologically sustainable intent, while accepting two recent applications from a developer which had extensive local opposition (a third is being considered).

"We would urge the council to keep the the public’s best interest in mind when considering these matters.”

A spokesperson for the District Council said: “The compliance period for the enforcement notice has now expired. The council has been in contact with the occupiers of the site and is considering whether further enforcement action is necessary."

For the full story buy The Forester.