GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are regarding Operation Themis, the force's response to this year's badger cull, as a success as a result of officers and local people working together in the cull zones.

The constabulary's plan for this year was to focus on community policing as opposed to public order policing, like last year.

Officers found that most people were co-operative and courteous because of this style of policing.

In 2013, the first year of the cull, 38 people were arrested. This year there were just two arrests and one person was served a court summons.

  • Joseph Hilton, aged 30, from Lakeside, Bristol appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates' on Thursday, November 6 after being charged with aggravated trespass and common assault. He has been bailed to reappear at Cheltenham Magistrates' on Wednesday, April 22.
  • Karl Garside, a 48-year-old from Salford in Greater Manchester, who also appeared on Thursday, November 6 charged with aggravated trespass, has also been bailed to reappear at Cheltenham Magistrates' on Wednesday, April 22.
  •  Edward Watson, a 25-year-old from Lakeside, Bristol, who also appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates' on Thursday, November 6 after being charged with aggravated trespass, has been bailed to reappear at Cheltenham Magistrates' on Wednesday, April 22.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Berry said: "We would like to thank everyone involved and directly affected by the badger cull for their help and understanding during what could be a very difficult time.

"Those directly involved or indirectly involved in the cull were helpful, co-operative and courteous to our officers.

"Their positive conduct was reflected by the fact that very few criminal incidents took place during the whole six week cull period."

Sergeant Paul Simmons, one of the officers who oversaw Operation Themis, said: "As I dealt with community issues relating to the cull I've had the opportunity to work with and alongside individuals affected.

"We have remained impartial throughout and I would like to thank everyone who has contacted the police from all sections of the community, including those in favour of the cull and those against.

"I would also like to thank all of our partners who have helped to understand and address the issues affecting those communities, along with seeking solutions.

We have an on-going commitment to work closely with those affected and I would like to hear from anyone who has any further concerns."