Priddy Action Group Ready to Bite

Twenty three concerned local residents gathered at the Hunter’s Lodge in Priddy this week to discuss the proposed relocation of the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt to Underbarrow Farm, Wells Road in Priddy.

An action group was named and formed at the meeting to investigate the implications and the impact that this relocation would have on the local community. Although the plans have not yet been submitted, supporters of CANINE (Campaign Against Noise Intruding Nature’s Environment) were reassured to be able to air their concerns and discuss them with neighbours.

The Mendip Farmers’ Hunt plan to build kennels for and house 60 foxhounds at the site and local residents are extremely worried.

Gwyn Thomas whose home adjoins the proposed site said, “this is not about being anti hunt, we would be just as concerned if it was boarding kennels or something similar. We believe that potential noise and pollution created by 60 hunting dogs will have a huge detrimental effect, not just on the local residents, but also on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi) that is adjacent to this site. It is a sensitive area for wildlife and rich in rare birds, insects, and plant life. We are a rural residential area right in the middle of the AONB; it is not the right place for kennels of any sort.”

Geoff Selway who owns the main track up to Underbarrow Farm is also worried, “the potential increase to traffic alongside our house and the daily transport of dead carcasses to feed the hounds is a real concern. We feel the peace and tranquillity of the countryside is about to be shattered and that whatever measures are put in place to reduce the impact on us and other residents, it will simply not be enough. This is not the Priddy Hunt, it is the Mendip Hunt and it should not be situated in the middle of a residential area.” Ends