CONSERVATIVES ASK FOR HELP FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY HUNTING BAN (25/11/04)

At Wednesday’s meeting of Full Council, Conservative Councillor John Edwards asked the Council to support those in Somerset who will be affected by the imminent Hunting Ban. Whilst emphasising that his intent was not for the Council to agree or disagree with Hunting, he attacked the Government for forcing a ban through without considering the economic impact that the Hunting Ban will have on the Countryside as a whole and West Somerset in particular.

John Edwards said “I am delighted that this Motion received the support of most Councillors. This was not about the rights or wrongs of Hunting, it was about the abysmal way in which the Labour Government has ignored the pleas of those who will lose their livelihood in three months time, which of course does not provide adequate opportunity for those involved in the activity to find alternative employment or retrain.”

John Edwards continued “I am also angry at the lack of any consideration by, or proposals from, the Government about the future management of the Red Deer herds in those areas that will be affected by the ban.”

The Council agreed the Motion and now the Conservatives are pushing for strategic action to help those affected in Somerset.

ENDS

For further information, please contact John Edwards, Conservative Councillor for Dulverton & Exmoor, 01643 831238