Neighbours ban hunt from town centre meet

A traditional town centre hunting spectacle has been banned by a local council.

Newark Town Council voted to ban the traditional New Year’s Day meet, held in its Market Place by the South Nottinghamshire Hunt, at the meeting of the finance and general purposes committee.

Deputy leader and chairman of the committee, Mrs Gill Dawn, said: “The hunt is the most appalling thing to happen, encouraging people to abuse animals and dress up and drink.

This contrasts with Grantham, where a secret meeting of Grantham councillors, last October decided to support the Belvoir Hunt meet on Boxing Day.

The Belvoir Hunt made a presentation to the Charter Trustees, comprised of SKDC councillors representing Grantham wards. 

They were answering concerns that some of their members have been convicted of illegal activity including the injury of an anti-hunt protester earlier this year. 

During the presentation the Belvoir Hunt gave assurances to those present that one person convicted was not a member of the hunt and the other had been required to leave. They said the Hunt has a disciplinary process for anyone breaking the rules.

The majority of Charter Trustees present decided to uphold a decision made earlier in the year to allow the traditional Boxing Day Meet to go ahead with the Mayor of Grantham greeting the Hunt.

Earlier this year, Belvoir Hunt paid almost £50,000 to two charity workers who were attacked while monitoring their activities.

One of the victims had his neck broken during the attack, instigated by a man working for the Hunt

Four other attackers were never caught, despite anti-fox hunt campaigner Sir Ranulph Fiennes calling for justice.

The Belvoir Hunt has not admitted liability for the attack.

SKDC Deepings councillor Virginia Moran said: “ I was absolutely delighted to to hear the decision about Newark. More and more towns are refusing to have hunts parading through their towns.

“They are finally recognising that, 15 years after the hunting ban, they can no longer be seen to support this outdated and frequently illegal activity.

“From the feedback I have received, I am optimistic that South Kesteven will follow suit on Thursday and withdraw any further support for the Belvior Hunt Ltd.”

Also see: https://www.granthammatters.co.uk/councillor-calls-for-skdc-to-sever-all-ties-with-belvior-hunt/