Not such a champion

REGULAR readers will be aware of MP Caroline Spelman's objection this month to the plans for the new marina at Sands Farm on the North Stratford Canal.

Caroline wrote to Warwick District Council, British Waterways and others to object to the proposed 32 acres development on green belt land because she feels it would detrimentally affect her constituents in Hockley Heath, and that it would '...disrupt hedgerows with badger setts...'.

Major cull

From this it would appear Caroline is a champion of the badger—but not so, for she is intent upon a major cull of badgers to combat the spread of TB in cattle, and in so doing has evoked frenzy from the  animal welfare campaigners.

Caroline stated that she was  ‘strongly minded' to authorise a major cull of badgers in England to combat the spread of TB in cattle which costs an estimated  £100 million a year.

Black day for badgers

In addition to the warning from the campaigners, experts told her that vaccination was a better way, with even the RSPCA joining in, stating that the Environment Secretary's proposal was ‘a black day for badgers'.

Such would be the furore should the massive cull go ahead, starting with two pilot areas next year, that ministers have contacted police chiefs over the implications.

There is also a report that the Home Secretary has warned Caroline that there could be grave consequences by going ahead with such a cull that could cause such a public outcry, it  could harm her career.

Perhaps the badgers at Sands Farm at Hockley Heath however are exempt.