A motion on trail hunting to be debated at this evening's council meeting has been described as a "cheap political stunt" by a hunting advocate group.

The Labour group at Cheshire West and Chester Council will introduce a motion which could lay the ground for banning trail hunting on council-owned land.

Cllr Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, described trail hunting as a "smokescreen" for killing foxes with hounds, which has been banned for 15 years (read more here).

In response, a spokesperson from the Countryside Alliance told Frodsham Nub News: "It is extraordinary that Cheshire West and Chester's Labour group are seeking to use up valuable council time and resources at the time of a pandemic, to debate trail hunting which is a legal activity.

"Especially when it is not clear whether the council actually holds rights over any land on which trail hunting takes place."

The spokesperson added: "Sadly, it appears this motion is more of a cheap political stunt, rather than having anything to do with animal welfare. The Cheshire Hunting community must be included in any future discussions relating to trail hunting going forward."

The motion will be debated at the borough council's meeting this evening at 6pm and can be viewed here.