Heritage Petroleum has addressed media reports regarding a chicken farm on its land at Lowkie Trace, Penal.

Anthony Cornwall says last week he was visited by armed men in black SUVs, who allegedly threatened to demolish his farm if he did not pay the owner of the land.

In a statement, Heritage says despite cease and desist notices in March and April the farm continued to operate.

It adds that the issue is one of safety – the farm is allegedly located close to oil pipelines, a production station and a compressor station, making it in breach of setback distances outlined by the Energy Ministry.

The company also claims that its Legal and Security Business Units have been actively involved in the matter since January, with all steps being authorized and closely monitored, “leaving no room for any untoward demands and/or behaviour on the part of any Heritage personnel.”