The Farmers’ Union of Wales yesterday made an announcement over the Welsh government’s decision to dismantle control fences erected on the Brecon Beacons. The Union described the government’s decision that fences on the Brecon Beacons should be taken down as "irresponsible."image expired

The fences, erected to limit the spread foot and mouth disease (FMD) in 2001, divide parts of the Brecon Beacons, Vaynor and Buckland Commons. Graziers on the land applied in September 2009 for the fences to remain in place, on the grounds that they continued to be important from a disease control, animal management and environmental perspective, but after objections from the Open Spaces Society, the Ramblers and the National Trust the decision was made to take them down.

FUW’s common land committee vice chairman Dilwyn John, having attended a joint meeting of the three graziers associations affected by the decision, said, “A large number of graziers attended the meeting and they were angry and dismayed by the Welsh Government’s decision. Taking down the fences will have a major impact on graziers’ ability to manage their flocks and the environment, and will increase the risk of diseases spreading.”

He continued, “The government has ignored animal health issues and the needs of those who make a living off this land, and has sided with a tiny minority whose only interests are recreational.”

The societies campaigning for the fences to be removed claim they impede access and are visually intrusive. Mr John dismissed the claim, “There are stiles and gates at regular intervals and the fences are barely visible. When you talk to walkers in the area the fences are simply not an issue.”

He warned, “If we have another FMD outbreak as in 2001 - God forbid - new fences will have to be erected, and the government’s decision could lead directly to thousands of animals being slaughtered unnecessarily.”

The fences are a tense subject in the Beacons, having been covered in a BBC news report; some graziers are currently seeking legal advice regarding their options. The FUW said it is “committed to fighting for the rights of those who rely on these mountains to make a living.”