CLA renews call for responsible countryside use after farmers report abusive behaviour

THE CLA is reiterating Government calls to limit outdoor exercise to once a day, and when they do so in the countryside, respect farming operations as key contributors to food on our plates. The renewed call comes after numerous farmers have suffered abuse by walkers not sticking to footpaths, trampling on crops, and not keeping their dogs on leads around livestock. In 1 instance, a farmer on the outskirts of York was threatened with being infected with Coronavirus. The CLA which represents 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural business across England and Wales is urging the walkers, cyclists and horse riders to stick to public rights of way, keep dogs under control and take their litter home. These are all avoidable crimes, putting undue stress on the animals, farmers and an already resource stretched police forces.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said:- "It is totally unacceptable that farmers should suffer abuse by walkers trespassing on their fields. This is a real kick in the teeth to those working very hard to put food on our tables. 1st and foremost, people should maintain social distancing and not veer off sign posted footpaths. The daily exercise regime should not be seen as a 'free for all' abuse of the countryside. Those using the countryside should, eSpecially under current circumstances, be conscious that the countryside is also a place of work where the land, livestock, machinery, wildlife and environment must be respected. The Countryside Code is generally adhered to by the majority of people, but there are a few worrying trends either based on anti social behaviour or a lack of awareness of the working countryside."

3 top tips for those using the countryside:-

► Livestock worrying by dogs not adequately controlled by their owners is on the increase. Please keep your dog on a lead if you are anywhere near livestock. Even the best trained family pet can chase sheep and wildlife if not kept under close control. Also, clear up after your dog.

► Fly tipping is a blight on the landscape and can cost up to ₤800 per incident to clear away and all at the farmer's expense. Please ensure you take your litter home with you and dispose of bulky waste through proper legal channels.

► When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.

► The Countryside Code applies to all parts of the countryside in England and Wales. It aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors. Follow the Countryside Code.

► The CLA has published a dedicated advisory and information page (regularly updated) on the Coronavirus; which can be accessed on:- CLA.Org.UK.

Dan Pearce reworks iconic movie posters for NHS

ARTIST to the stars, Dan Pearce, is creating a series of movie poster parodies, sharing Government COVID-19 guidelines, with ALL proceeds from their sales going to NHS Charities Together. The acclaimed mixed media artist's work is collected by everybody from:- Anthony Joshua, and 50 Cent, to will.i.am and Rag N Bone Man and he was named:- "1 of the UK's most collectable, emerging artists," by Shortlist. For each week of the pandemic, Pearce will be reworking a different iconic film poster; from The Exorcist to Quadrophenia; to share the NHS's messages in fun and light hearted ways. Pearce will be selling the signed, A2 prints through:- DanPearce-Art.Com for just ₤75 each, with 100% of proceeds being donated to NHS Charities Together.

He explained:- "The NHS staff and volunteers are literally putting their lives at risk to save the rest of us. It's heroic. I wanted to help them, using my art and creativity. So I've put together this fundraiser, which hopefully offers a little light relief, while also sharing some of the ways we can beat COVID-19 together and raising money for NHS Charities Together, who are working with NHS England and their member NHS Charities on a nationally co-ordinated response to the COVID-19 crisis."

Pearce is a central figure in the UK's current Pop Art movement and his work utilises spray paint, hand painted acrylics, 3D objects, screen printing and collage, as well as his own photography and street art. Dan describes his work as:- 'revealing the unexpected,' due to his unique techniques of crafting multiple layers, to make tactile pieces that can be admired from a distance or up close in minute detail.

Petrol prices fall to nearly ₤1 per litre during Coronavirus pandemic

THE cost of petrol in the UK is approaching ₤1 per litre for the 1st time since 2016 amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Car insurance expert at Confused.com Alex Kindred says:- "Almost 1 in 3 (32%) drivers told us that fuel prices make it less affordable to run a car. The average price for petrol and diesel was up at 127p and 132p per litre respectively in January. Now, it's fallen to 119p and 122p in the space of 3 months. This week alone, prices have dropped dramatically, by 1.2p for petrol and 1.3p for diesel, which is great news for drivers that still need to use their vehicles. But the rapid fluctuation in prices, as well as varying costs between Regions and suppliers makes it confusing to know when and where we're going to get the best deal. To help you find the cheapest fuel in your local area, you can use our petrol price finder to search for the best price. That way, you can avoid paying over the odds." What are your views on this? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com.