The hunt scores an enormous own goal, details of which are known to those that matter. Issues at the site, of which they were fully informed and aware, start to become obstacles. Hunt meetings are less well attended by riders and supporters. Rumours are rife.

CANINE watch, listen and field rumours, ‘red herrings’ and some truths about the hunts’ plans. In late October the Chairman of the hunt, Alistair Martin insists that the planning application is still full steam ahead for Priddy. A matter of weeks rather than months. And still CANINE watches and waits for its next move. Bring it on – we are ready and waiting.

The North Shropshire community fighting plans to move the North Shropshire Hunt kennels to Greenfields Farm, Whixall has succeeded in getting the planning permission quashed for the second time in six months. The new Shropshire County Council has conceded that the planning permission granted by the former North Shropshire District Council (NSDC) in February was flawed in both process and in the use of conditions to compensate for a lack of submitted information, and has revoked the permission in the face of Judicial Review proceedings.

“Shropshire County Council¹s decisive and prompt stance on this issue has been a breath of fresh air after more than 16 months of ineptitude by the NSDC.” says a No Hunt Kennel Campaign spokesman. “It is clear vindication of our claim that the development raises serious environmental issues, and that these cannot be dealt with by simply adding yet another condition to any consent, particularly where they are unenforceable.”

“However, we remain vigilant to see if the North Shropshire Hunt make a fourth attempt to get planning permission as, knowing that the vast the majority of the local community (as demonstrated by the hundreds of letters on file objecting to applications for this site) remain opposed to a development of this nature in such an environmentally sensitive area, we will continue our campaign. We welcome Shropshire County Council¹s assurances that any further application for this site will be scrutinised most carefully.”

There has been plenty of activity over at Underbarrow Farm during August. As the lawfull owners of the Farm MFH have performed a sound survey while driving their horse lorry on and off the site.

Is the lorry so big that it can only gain access by driving on the wrong side of the road?