THE CHAIRMAN of the Berkshire branch CLA raises concerns that the rural economy will be overlooked by Brexit dominating the agenda next year.

Andrew Gardiner the Chairman of the Berkshire branch CLA, a membership organisation for owners of land, property and business has expressed his thoughts ahead of Brexit.

Andrew who is a charted surveyor and helps run his family land in Berkshire insists that mobile data and rural crime still need improving in the new year.

Mr Gardiner said: “rural areas in Berkshire cannot reach their full economic potential without fast, reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage.

“Even as we enter 2019 some rural businesses are forced to accept poor speeds and coverage and end up paying for a service they don’t get.”

The CLA have been running the #4GForAll initiative to highlight the issue and make improvements. They also work closely with broadband provider Openreach to help close the digital divide.

The organisation has been trying to make it easier for Openreach to place cables and other electronic apparatus on landowners’ land.

Andrew added: “government talk of 5G rollout seems ludicrous when vast areas are still struggling to get 4G, or any signal at all in some places.

“It is important to walk before running, so the focus must remain on establishing universal 4G before upgrading areas to 5G.”

Mr Gardiner also raised the point that rural crime is still an issue going into the new year. The CLA recently had a meeting with Thames Valley Police to discuss their approach to tackling rural crime.

He said: “we appreciate that police have a range of significant pressures, but we want to ensure that tackling rural crime such as fly-tipping, hare coursing and machinery theft remains a top priority.

The Chairman of the Berkshire branch CLA is worried Brexit will dominate the agenda and the issues won’t be improved.

Robin Edwards CLA South East Regional Director commented: “all eyes will be on Brexit in 2019, and we are working hard to stand up for the rural economy during this crucial period.

“From funding to labour supply, businesses need certainty and assurances to operate and plan for the future.”

For more information about the CLA and its work visit www.cla.org.uk/your-area/south-east/regional-news.