A new family has moved into a local farm after it was left abandoned for more than 12 months.

Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed a family with "farming and agricultural" experience is now renting Grange Farm.

The previous tenants, Andy and Mel moved out of the farm in September 2021 saying running the site "got too much" affecting the owners financially, physically and mentally.

After sitting empty for over a year the new family have now moved into the farmhouse and will maintain the surrounding land. 

John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing & Resources said: “We are pleased to announce that a new tenant for Grange Farm has now been secured.

"A family with farming and agricultural experience is now renting the site.

"They will live in the property and farm the land, ensuring the ongoing upkeep and preservation of this area is maintained accordingly."

In May 2022, Cllr Catherine Oliver expressed her worry about "the state of the farm" and it being "left unkempt" as the council continued to search for new tenants.

A car and caravan had been left on the site as well as a pile of rubbish dumped in the middle of the farmyard.

The site also looked to have been broken into with a busted open gate next to the remains of a bonfire. 

Andy and Mel moved into the farm in 2016 and when they left hundreds of comments were left by residents thanking the pair and wishing them well with their future plans.

The social media post said: "Andy and myself have decided to call it a day at the farm.

"It all got too much and has affected us financially, physically and mentally.

"After 18 years, Manor Estates has ceased trading allowing Andy and myself time over the last few months to pack down the farm and rehome all of our animals.

"It's been emotional - to say the very least - but we have worked hard together to ensure that every single one of our animals have gone to new places where they have lots of love and a good life ahead of them.

"We would like to thank you all for the amazing support you have given us through our journey.

"We have put our 'all' into Grange Farm but unfortunately we were never allowed to 'make it happen' and the constant battle we continuously encountered just became too much.

"I still can't quite comprehend why a place that, despite belonging to the council was so run down, had been derelict for 10 years and was in a state of disrepair captured our hearts but it did and still does and it always will!"