WORKINGTON MP Sue Hayman this week called for the abolition of "the feudal system of land tenure", as part of her campaign to abolish manorial rights.

She asked the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to abolish the system in England and Wales. 

Dominic Raab, Minister for Human Rights at the Ministry of Justice, said: "The Government has no plans to change the basis on which land is owned in England and Wales."

More than 3,000 homes in West Cumbria have been contacted by the Land Registry regarding manorial rights.

The letter states that Leconfield Estates, owned by Lord Egremont, wants to register the ownership of the mines and minerals where their property lies.

Householders are given 21 days to object or consent.

Mrs Hayman is keen to get rid of these manorial rights, as Scotland did in 2000. 

She met with other protestors in Cockermouth recently to work out a strategy.

She has also met with Lord Egremont, who agreed to meet with her and other protestors next month at the House of Commons.

He was approached by Mrs Hayman after delaying a meeting with town campaigner Peter Hackney and others until the end of December.

She said: "I spoke to Lord Egremont and said people were so concerned that I felt we should meet before Christmas.

"I offered to host a meeting at the House of Commons. He has agreed and we are just trying to organise a date now."

The campaigners plan to meet again in Cockermouth today.