Last updated 11:11, Friday, 09 May 2008

IT IS appropriate that Roger Liddle, chairman of Cumbria Vision, should express concern about the criticism in the editorial of The Cumberland News (April 25), that the agricultural aspect of economic life in Cumbria had been overlooked in the new Cumbria Vision strategy set out at its Economic Summit 2008 conference.

His accusations of sniping are misplaced.

As past chairman of the CN Group, I am well aware of the vital importance of the role our press takes in public debate, and can assure him that readers consider articles seriously.

Roger Liddle gives us no assurance of how Cumbria Vision is to proceed with the many initiatives he refers to in his letter.

The trumpeted strategic plan tells us so little.

Reference is made to the lack of diversification, a rather unfair criticism, as what can be more important in this leading rural county than that the whole land-based industries must change and play an important role in the global problem of producing food and adjusting to climate change?

Much has been done already but can more be done? If so, what?

This strange omission of consideration of our principal asset, our land, may be because of a lack of communication and therefore of an understanding of agribusiness and the land-based and community projects.

A better grasp of this key issue can only be brought about by close liaison.

Twelve months ago Pentalk made a positive suggestion of support to increase understanding and was asked by Cumbria Vision to set up a representative group of those in the land-based industries who could speak from experience from across the land-based sector.

In conjunction with the NFU and other parties, considerable time and effort was put into providing that list.

No acknowledgements were given and no action taken and the impetus was lost; hence the gaps in the strategic plan?

What many of us hope for from Cumbria Vision is better leadership and better communication in its dealings with the whole community, clarity in its strategic thinking on this issue and some positive bullet points as amendments to the plan as it stands.

A clear picture needs to be established about what is required to build on the firm foundation of our countryside and land-based industries.

Do not delay, be positive.

Cumbria Vision has a responsibility and authority – resist floating in a haze of bureaucratic vagueness.

Stop blaming the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Government and Brussels and please do not sacrifice a further £20m so desperately needed in Cumbria.

JOE HARRIS
Chairman – Pentalk Network
Brackenburgh