Boxing Day hunt cancel plans for Market Square gathering
A BOXING Day hunt in Retford's Market Square will no longer take place because of the threat of protesters.
The Grove and Rufford Hunt had planned to hold their Christmas meet in the town centre, they way they did up until 25 years ago.
Due to the 2004 hunting ban, the group were planning to follow an artificial fox-based scent instead of hunting wild animals.
But saboteurs still believe the more humane-style hunting to be cruel and could have been planning a protest at the Rufford hunt.
Bassetlaw Council only granted permission for the hunt to take place as long as police approval was received.
"25 years ago the world was different . Now there is new legislation and saboteurs to consider," said Notts Police Chf Insp, Glenn Harper.
Police believe that at least ten officers would have to be brought in to maintain order during the meet, and planned to charge Grove and Rufford members the 1,600 it would cost to bring in extra resources.
"Intelligence has suggested that there could be problems from saboteurs," said Chf Insp Harper. "On 17th November, saboteurs turned up at a hunt and police were called out, including the force helicopter, road policing units and other officers, causing significant disruption."
The hunters have since decided to lead the hunt on the 26th December from a private field on Leverton Road, opposite Retford United Football ground, which will only require a discreet presence from existing resources.
Roderick Duncan, huntsman for Grove and Rufford Hunt, said that the police response had been over-the-top.
"It is such a shame because we were thrilled to get back to the traditional place of the Boxing Day meet," said Mr Duncan. "The costs mean that we will have to hold the meet elsewhere. We have only ever had one protestor at a Boxing Day meet in 20 years, so I think the police have over-reacted."
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Weather for Worksop
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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