A Rettendon farmer whose land has been dissected by the route of the planned A130 bypass has not received a penny in compensation.

Sixty-nine-year-old John Little, who farms Runwell Hall and Rettendon Place with his son, Richard, said that the 80 acres compulsorily purchased by developers CountyRoute were worth more than £240,000 as agricultural land alone.

"We have heard of protesters' rights, wildlife rights, badger rights, but I wonder where are my family's rights in all this?" said Mr Little.

Mr Little, who represents Rettendon and Runwell ward on Chelmsford Borough Council, is furious at what he calls high-handed treatment since a CPO was slapped on his farmland in 1991.

He claims that CountyRoute has refused to discuss compensation and that the statutory 90-day payment period has long passed.

"CountyRoute has marched on to land which has been in our family since 1937, cut down 100 of our trees, erected sub-standard fencing and ruined a drainage system covering 100 acres," said Mr Little.

"They refuse to construct a private bridge or underpass for our pedigree Hereford herd and farm vehicles, and won't discuss compensation for us having to drive agricultural machinery on main roads."

CountyRoute spokesman Andy Geldard said: "We have been in talks with Mr Little and his agent and are looking to reach a satisfactory agreement.

"Obviously, Mr Little is entitled to receive compensation under statutory agreement and he will do so.

"It is a question of agreeing what it will be."

Pay up: John Little.

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