A National Trust tenant who is leaving his farm near Helston following a court hearing has said he is "looking forward to a much better life."

Paul Parfitt has been running Chyvarloe Farm near Gunwalloe for almost a decade, but the relationship between the farmer and Trust has broken down.

His departure date at the end of August comes as the result of a court hearing, which followed issues over rent payment and alleged other matters.

However, Mr Parfitt said he was looking forward to being "free" after experiencing "increased pressures" and what he claims was a "dictatorial" attitude from a Trust staff member.

The Trust said that relationships sometimes broke down, but it could not comment on cases that were subject to legal proceedings.

Mr Parfitt told the Packet: "I have realised in recent months that with a definite date set I am now totally relieved and content with life, healthy and therefore positive about the future.

"Whilst I hadn't realised before I entered this phase just how the constant emails, cancelled meetings, one sided general communication and broken verbal promises were both extremely wearing and tiring, as well as frustrating.

"I look forward to much better life and come September 1 I will be free of this stress and harassment and therefore will only enhance my situation, which is one in which I am already extremely happy."

Mr Parfitt said he enjoyed the early years at the property, but in recent times there had been "increased pressures" brought about by changes in policy, points of contact and personnel changes, which he believed made his situation untenable.

He claimed that certain actions by one Trust employee in particular had been "seemingly dictatorial" and "completely de-motivated any efforts I have made to continue to both improve or indeed occupy the property."

"I have felt at times bombarded and harassed by one-way contact and little positive response in return," he said.

"Sadly I was forced to start a course of action that led to me having to rely on a judge to give me a date to leave the farm in order that I could sensibly plan for a farm sale and so forth.

"This preceded me submitting a claim in excess of £150,000 for the improvements I have overseen at the property - including fencing, gates, electricity, water infrastructure, bathroom, household flooring as well as turning two disused barns into an office and classroom/kitchen, both of which I would suggest could be made into dwellings at some point."

It was at this point, he claimed, that the staff member "decided against mutual agreement" and continuing communication, with Mr Parfitt adding: "Therefore by spending the best part of a year's rent for the property on legal expenses in the form of solicitor and barrister, I was left with no doubt that I am an individual set against the immovable object that is a large powerful charity/corporation."

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “Ensuring we have a good working relationship with our tenants is vital.

“Unfortunately circumstances can arise where that relationship breaks down and the Trust must have recourse to its legal remedies where appropriate.

“The Trust is not able to comment on any particular case where it is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.”