Says Maureen Comber

Hats off to Tony Barnet of Common Heritage which he formed in 2001 to see the reinstatement of Whitchurch Heath Common, Shropshire, to lowland heath.

The common was identified by the Commons Commissioners in 1965 as unowned, since no pre-registration of title could be found. However since then Tony has had to battle against corrupt councils, a disinterested police force and biased judiciary, and against a chain of false representation and various claims of ownership which included re-naming it as Prees Heath in a bid to confuse and defraud.

His trials and tribulations are outlined in his book entitled 'Honest Charities or Fraudsters' and reveals the length of Tony's frustrating journey to protect the Rights of the public to 'air and exercise' and access generally, to this rare and valuable heathland. A problem which has intensified and many of us sympathise with ten years later, as too many of our commons are becoming the subject of enclosure orders via the partnership working of Local Councils, Natural England and the Planning Inspectorate. The distress and anger this is causing to local people has become endemic across the country.

Twice the Judiciary has ordered the pre-registration of title deeds for Whitchurch Heath to be disclosed and twice those orders have been ignored by subsequent magistrate court hearings.

Yesterday however at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court his right to to expect disclosure of documents which would confirm or deny ownership rights was upheld and in addition he may call witnesses in support when the case is referred to the Crown Court in Shrewsbury on 20th August next.

Let us hope he will be given the patience and understanding he so richly deserves for his fortitude.

It is lamentable that it has taken this long for his request for proof of ownership of Whitchurch Heath Common to be forthcoming.??

Says Steve Yandall

Tony,

you speak on behalf of many and in the best interest of all.

I am currently following up on David Cameron(on our behalf) instructing the Cabinet Office and CLGO to investigate unlawful activities carried out by Natural England in partnership with LA's and WILL add this to their portfolio.

The contempt and/or ignorance of the law as applied to the 'Common Man' denies democratic equality without access to the High Court which is restricted to those with deep pockets(many of whom benefit from NE's activities).

PINN's and DEFRA are party to NE's activities as they have both been made aware via our two last administrations of unlawfulness but choose to remain 'supportive' of activities in contravention of the law and best practise.

Her Majesty initiated David Cameron's instruction to the two 'offices' and I will be appraising her of action to date.

Thank you for your persistence and my best regards,