THE recent announcement that the contract to provide radio communications for the emergency services in the UK is not to be renewed with Airwave will see many landowners and farmers losing the site rental income, says Ian Thornton-Kemsley of land agent Strutt & Parker.
The UK Emergency Service network is currently managed solely by Airwave, which has been unsuccessful in tendering for the new contract. This service will be phased out over three years from 2017-20. It is currently unclear as to future use of the Airwave sites - some may no longer be used and others may be taken over by the new operator, which will lead to the need for renegotiation.
Mr Thornton-Kemsley explained: "Since the early 2000s Airwave have provided a vital service which has the ability to impact upon every person within the United Kingdom. However, the Tetra system deployed has become outdated and slow - the new system needs to meet current demand in order to reduce latency and improve response times.
"The Emergency Services Network contract is reported to be worth £1.2bn and the tender process is in its final stage and, with current incumbent Airwave, Vodafone and UK Broadband Networks having been eliminated, either Everything Everywhere or Telefonica will be successful. "Although it is unclear as to which company will be successful, it is certain that there will be implications for any landlord who has an agreement with Airwave regarding the future of the site."
"Admin issue" stops First Milk payments
Members of the farmer-owned co-operative First Milk, who were due to receive payments for their milk overnight on Thursday, have been told that an administrative issue stopped them.
A First Milk spokesman said yesterday: "We sincerely apologise for this delay and can assure you that your bank account will be credited with the appropriate amount by close of business today (Friday).
Market round-up
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 5726 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £119 per head and 254p per kg to average 198.1p (+3p on the week).
There were also 2295 cast sheep forward that made a record, overall sale average for the centre of £114 per head. Heavy ewes sold to £178 for Charollais and averaged £125.45 (+£12.65), while light ewes peaked at £109 for Blackfaces and levelled at £68.17 (+£8.05). Rams sold to £200 for a Leicester and averaged £126.81 (+£11.58).
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