The Battle for Broxhead Common
BW47 from the narrow section, down a steep bank to a hair pin bend
The Case for Hampshire County Council – PART 72
- The Broxhead Commoner’s Association, had it seems been infiltrated by some of Mr Whitfield’s ‘working group’. One of them in a determined search for a sports field for Lindford Cricket Club, approached Mr Whitfield for his help.
- There seems to be complete ignorance of the laws protecting common land because Mr Whitfield’s suggestion is that the whole of the common will be cleared and the boundaries fenced right up to the road, except for a narrow strip at the bottom of the Hill!
- After discussion however, Mr Whitfield offered 15 acres of the common land plus a new bridlepath, but only providing ALL claims of rights of common were withdrawn.
- But Mr Whitfield didn’t just leave it there. His solicitors wrote a generic letter which ended by saying that any claims of common rights found not to be heard, would be pursued for costs!
1974 January Stones Porter for Whitfield14072019 - Locals found that particularly intimidating and some withdrew claims of rights of common just in case; for none could match the reputed wealth of Mr Whitfield and risk being dragged into expensive legal proceedings.
- 15th March 1974. Broxhead Commoner’s Association holds a meeting and sets up a select committee to handle the legal issues.
- Tuesday 9th April 1974. Contrary to HCC’s expectations of possibly having to wait five years, the Office of the Commons Commissioners announced a meeting to be held in Committee Room 3 at the Guildhall in Winchester for a hearing before Mr G. D. Squibb QC.
1974 February, Meeting announced with CCC_000019
BW47 from the hair pin bend down we go. Can get very slippery.
Next time: An interim decision from the Chief Commons Commissioner