Strangled by red tape

A COUPLE claim their livelihood is at risk because Commerce and Employment refuses to allow them to let their vacant buildings to light industrial firms.

Mike and Colette Gaudion have been inundated by small businesses wanting to use their two large block-built, steel-clad outbuildings in St Sampson's.

But the former dairy farmers have been forced to turn them away because according to the Rural Area Plan, they can be used for agriculture only. Mr Gaudion said the department was refusing to unlock his property from agricultural use.