THE Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has thanked county councillors for carrying out a scrutiny inquiry into the social impact of the pilot badger cull in West Gloucestershire.

At a meeting with councillors at Defra’s offices in London, the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, commended the council on the thoroughness of the review and said that it had helped her to understand the impact on local communities.

She assured councillors that the scrutiny report and its recommendations would be taken very seriously and would help Defra’s future planning.

Task group chairman, Councillor Paul McMahon said: “The scrutiny review has uncovered a picture of communities caught in the middle of the tension between those carrying out the cull, farmers, their families, protestors and the police.

“It is essential that there are clear lines of communication with all relevant public agencies so that they are aware of the timing and the area of the cull to allow for planning and preparation. Arrangements should also be in place to make the public aware of the start and end dates of the cull as early as possible”.

Cllr Roger Wilson, Task Group member said: “It is great credit to members of the group that, despite their different backgrounds and interests, they managed to reach unanimous agreement on the recommendations.

“Local agencies are already acting upon the task group’s recommendations and lessons have been learnt from the events of last year. It is clearly making a real difference for local people.

“However, central to the recommendations is that there should be a single body providing strategic leadership that takes overall ownership and responsibility for the cull. Defra is best placed to fulfil this role.”

Local agencies have taken steps to protect and support communities in the second year of the cull. Gloucestershire Constabulary has formed a multi-agency group to share information and has organised drop-in events to reassure local residents.

The review has demonstrated the value of the scrutiny process in allowing non-executive councillors to take a fresh look at a particular issue.