Transfer of land at Oak Farm day services moves forward

The future of the Oak Farm day care service in Ditton Priors is looking bright after an agreement was reached to formally transfer the land to a community land trust.

Ditton Priors Community Land Trust announced today that after two years of working with Shropshire Council on the transfer of the 30 acres of Oak Farm into a community-owned land trust, terms of the transfer have been agreed.

A formal transfer of the land is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

Andrew Primrose, on behalf of the directors of the trust, said:

“This will be a significant mile-marker for the community of Ditton Priors and for the small local volunteer team working on the project after years of time and effort, with support by Shropshire Council and the Board of Trustees.

“It is, however, only the first in a series of steps towards securing a new and exciting future for the land and Oak Farm day care service for adults with learning disabilities, whose valuable work is due to be acknowledged next year when the service celebrates its silver jubilee.”

The Ditton Priors Country Fayre and Dog Show takes place at Oak Farm on Saturday 5 July 2014, which will be the first opportunity for people to become members and help support the work of the Community Land Trust.

For more information and details, please visit the community trust’s website at oakfarmclt.wordpress.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oakfarmclt.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“Oak Farm is a fantastic place which provides outstanding support for people with a variety of different needs.

“Transferring the land to the Ditton Priors Community Land Trust is an innovative way of giving the local community more freedom to help make the most of what is a fantastic resource right on their doorstep.”

Robert Tindall, local Shropshire Councillor for Brown Clee, added:

“As the local Shropshire Councillor I am proud to have been associated with Oak Farm over the years, and I am delighted to have been able to play a part in helping with the transfer of the farm to the Community Land Trust.  I shall continue to assist in any way that I can.”