Works and Engineering Minister Terry Lister says disused farm land leased by Gary Mello could be back in use by early next year.

Angry farmers had threatened to plough up the overgrown field at Frog Lane in protest at the waste of land.

However, they decided to delay the action to give Government time to sort out the situation.

They are also annoyed that Greenwich Farm, which is on the Devonshire side of CedarBridge, has been allowed to become overgrown.

Mr. Mello told The Royal Gazette he had given back both pieces of land years ago, although he still lives on a property at Greenwich.

He claimed Frog Lane was given back to Government two and a half years ago while Greenwich Farm was given back three years ago.

Mr. Mello had both plots for about about 18 years. He said: "They can do what they want with it."

However, Mr. Lister said: "I wasn't aware that Mr. Mello had given it back and I am not sure if my staff are aware he has given it back.

"We still think he has the land and we are surprised he hasn't farmed it.

"However, Mr. Mello is quite happy to turn the land back and wash his hands of it so we will now start that process of ensuring its back from him and transferred on to the next farmer.

"I saw stories in the paper which said the land might not be the best. It's good land.

"Mr. Mello farmed it happily for a number of years. He's just not interested in being in Bermuda and farming it.

"If we can get it back soon we can get it back to the farmers so they can get it under seed."

Mr. Lister said it could be back in use by early next year.