COUNCILLORS across Cheshire have already taken a stance against badger culling on public land.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has taken a proactive step to control bovine TB across the borough with an alternative plan to badger culling.

Last November, CWAC’s cabinet approved plans to roll out a badger vaccination scheme on two belts of countryside in mid Cheshire – one to the north of Northwich, between Dutton and Marston, and one to the east between Pickmere and Byley.

It followed six months of work by a task group, made up of CWAC members, which considered how and where a vaccination scheme could work.

Cllr Karen Shore, CWAC cabinet member for environment, said: “CWAC will not support the culling of badgers on council land.

“To protect and reduce the incidence of the disease in badgers, and reduce the general prevalence of the disease and any risk to cattle, we believe the best long-term approach is vaccination of the badger population, not culling.”

The council is now due to make a funding bid to Defra for half of the cost of the scheme, and it would cover the remaining cost itself.

Volunteers will carry out the scheme, which is due to be rolled out in the spring.

A spokesman at CWAC added: “The council recognises the impact of bTB on cattle and the farming community.

“The disease is not yet considered to be endemic in west Cheshire and is lower than in the neighbouring high risk area, but there is a substantial risk of spread.

“In 2013 the licensed culling of badgers was introduced in parts of the UK as one of a range of measures to control bTB and in 2017 the licensed culling of badgers on land predominantly in Cheshire East started.

“Current research suggests that the disease is not transmitted by direct contact between badgers and cattle and there is a lack of evidence that culling is an effective method of disease control.”

Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council policy states that badgers will not be culled on land in its jurisdiction – a position confirmed at a cabinet meeting in September 2017.

A spokesman at CEC said: “The council is aware of the significant problem that bTB has caused for farmers in Cheshire, for the rural economy and for the area’s wildlife.

“The council is aware that control measures have been licensed in Cheshire, within the scope of national policies and practice.

“However, CEC does not engage in the culling of badgers on land under its direct control.”

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of the council’s Labour opposition, had pushed the authority to endorse badger vaccinations in 2017 – but the council has not embarked on a similar programme to CWAC.