Farmer David Yates and family face eviction from Earls Farm by Bolton Council, who may want the land for housing.
David’s family has farmed that land for generations. Bolton Council owns the farm now. The council seemingly wants the land for housing.
They supposedly offered the Yates compensation. Things got messy when the council never paid. David and Karen withdrew from the initial agreement. The council won’t comment about this deal.
Long ago, the Earl of Derby owned the land. He was friendly with David’s ancestors. The Earl even offered them the chance to buy it. They declined; the reason is unknown. The family has been renting it every five years ever since.
Back in 2007, the council took some land. They expanded Bolton St Catherine’s Academy. The council did not update their contract. Then in 2022, the couple got an eviction notice. Karen said they only communicated via lawyers.
In 2023, they seemed to agree on compensation. The council then neglected to make the first scheduled payment. So the Yateses withdrew themselves from the agreement.
The Yateses must leave by late February. They say they will not budge. Karen believes housing shouldn’t ruin farmers’ lives. The council has not confirmed the housing plans. It is simply one thing under consideration now. The council acknowledges a confidential accord.