GOVERNMENT officials have allayed fears that one of the world's oldest motorsport events could be at risk.
Organisers of the Scott Trial, in Swaledale, said a change in Common Agricultural Policy payments could put the event at risk.
Under the new Single Payment Scheme, farmers who hold motorsport events on their land could miss out on subsidies. But an official for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said last night that the event was not under threat.
He said: "We know there is some disquiet among the motorsport community about the changes, but they shouldn't make a huge difference.
"If a farmer owns 100 hectares, and the Scott Trial runs across ten hectares, then the farmer can still claim for 90 hectares," he explained.
"The Scott Trial has been running for almost 100 years. We certainly don't wish the event ill in any way."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article