CHARD: Angry confrontation at Boxing Day meet

Surely it is dangerous to bring horses into a high street "especially in a packed environment with children around?" Where something such as the backfire from an exhaust could cause a horse to spook. Forget the argument of hunting, that many horses and riders with such a crowd is a dangerous situation. I think the concerns raised suggest that the hunt should only be in the town without the horses.

Posted by Gaz on 5th January, 2012

I find it astonishing those who are appalled by a councillor actually taking action in the community. In a world where our so many of our local agencies, government workers and politician's are all out for they're own gain, or just too plain scared to actually stand for anything, to see a councillor actually speaking for the people who don't want to see a group of toffs parading through the town looking down their noses at the general public, its surprising to hear these reactions. I guess these are also some of the people who just want to live in the past... probably the same people who would bring back slavery if it were possible.

Posted by mike on 5th January, 2012

Unfortunately I was in the centre of Chard Town on this last Boxing Day and one thing I would say is that when the Hunt rode into town democracy was forced out. I could not hear the loud hailer as there was substantial noise anyway from hunt supporters who were determined to stifle anything the protesters said. I did notice that the Police were very close by to the protestors anyway and I am sure if they felt that anything was dangerous or wrong they would have intervened. I am of the opinion that Mr Forsyth had every right to attend the event and to protest the way he and others did. We all have a voice to protest, that is democracy, it is a shame that those of the hunting minority are unable to be mature enough to accept this. I am surprised that the local council allows the hunt to hold this event as a load of keyed up, excitable riders on horses, and the children riders are no exception, with a pack of hounds, which should in my opinion all be on leads for basic safety sake, are far more dangerous and a hazard in the centre of town than anything I think the protesters carried out. At least someone shows concern regarding the welfare of vulnarable animals, as an individual, and if trail hunting truly goes on then why is it that hunt monitors are frequently physically harmed by members of the hunting fraternity and damage done to their personal property. Beware, as the NSPCC states on their website, that there is a very strong link between those who carry out acts of animal abuse and those who also carry out acts of child abuse. I also say `shame on you' but not at the anti hunt protesters but at the hunting fraternity who would prefer a convenient homeostatis in their bloodthirsty desires...

Posted by Bunty Babe on 4th January, 2012

You could see that the people of Chard realy welcomed the Hunt and it added to the festive feel in the town. The town counciller behavier was a disgrace and should be removed from his post for trying to (unsuccesfully) ruin a traditional day.

Posted by A local on 3rd January, 2012

Closing town high streets falls under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
This states that the Council is responsible for allowing roads to be closed to the public.
It states that it is illegal for dogs to be loose without leads.
It states that it is illegal to collect money without a licence.
It states that the council is legally responsible for carrying out a ‘statutory consultation’ with the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, Somerset Highways and County Highways Services before issuing a Road Closure Order.
It states that the hunt organisation must have 'legally required' public liability insurance.
As the council are ignoring the law in allowing this event to take place; I think it quite right and proper that councillors should be there to at least see what is happening.

Posted by Martyn J on 3rd January, 2012

The Hunting Act has been in force since 2005 and hunts are obeying the law as is obvious from the fact that hardly any have been prosecuted despite constant monitoring from people like Graham. He is deeply frustrated that the Act has not prevented hunts continuing within the law and is trying to whip up hatred against them. The council should be trying to encourage diversity and councillors should not exhibit such a hate filled prejudiced attitude.

Posted by giles on 3rd January, 2012

Well I for one was absolutely disgusted by the behaviour of Graham Forsyth. This man has been given a responsible position on Chard Town Council and his conduct on the day was tantamount to a breach of the peace and he should have been arrested. He was alarming horses and small children with his thuggish outbursts. I sincerely hope that this man will not retain his seat on the council at the next election as I do not want someone like this representing my interests.

Posted by Cilla Lynch on 31st December, 2011

Lets get the facts exactly right: firstly there were only five in Forsyth's little party. Secondly there was no attempt to push anyone to the back as police officers were right there, which our photos will prove. Thirdly the people of Chard are not stupid, they don't need to be told that the Cotley Hunt are good and responsible people, they already know that, as they proved by supporting the Boxing Day Meet.

Posted by mervyn dowell on 31st December, 2011

What a disgracefull display by a councillor,his only action was to try and disrupt the hunt meet which traditionally is held in chard town centre,and as for his daughter having to read from a pre written sheet what a joke can't she remember why they were there.

Posted by Foxhunterdude on 31st December, 2011

I was so disapointed with Councillor Forsyth's dreadful behaviour at the Boxing Day meet of the Cotley Harriers. It was frankly embarassing. I am not particularly for Fox hunting and was merely passing through the town centre but I do not beleive this to be proper conduct for a member of the town Council. There are other ways to demonstrate your dislike for something other than making a rude and aggressive spectacle of yourself.

Posted by Will Moore on 31st December, 2011

Why on earth is a town councillor behaving so rudely and irresponsibly! Shame on you. There are other ways to air your views without using a loudhailer around children and animals.

Posted by Firebird on 2nd January, 2012

surely its dangerous for a man to use a loud hailer close to horses, especially in a packed environment with children around? Surely a Councillor should not be behaving in this manor?

Posted by will on 1st January, 2012