Animal welfare groups back proposed ban, while supporters of country sports warn against further pressure on rural traditions

THE UK GOVERNMENT has opened a public consultation on plans to ban trail hunting in England and Wales, setting up a fresh debate in rural areas including Pembrokeshire, where hunting remains part of the social calendar for some communities.

Ministers say the move would deliver a Labour manifesto pledge and help close what campaigners describe as loopholes in the law. The consultation is seeking views from the public, landowners, hunt organisers, local authorities, conservation bodies, businesses and animal welfare groups on how a ban should work in practice and whether wider changes to hunting law may also be needed.

Trail hunting was introduced after the Hunting Act 2004, with organisers saying it involves hounds following an artificially laid scent rather than a live animal. Opponents argue it has too often been used as a cover for illegal hunting, while supporters say it is a lawful countryside activity which should not be swept away by politics.

The Hunt Saboteurs Association and the League Against Cruel Sports have both welcomed the consultation, saying it gives the public a chance to support stronger protections for wildlife and prevent further loopholes from being exploited.

But countryside groups have hit back, arguing that the proposals could have serious consequences for rural communities, jobs and long-standing local traditions. The Countryside Alliance has urged supporters to respond, saying those who understand country life must not allow others to shape the outcome unchallenged.

The issue is likely to attract strong views in Pembrokeshire, where country sports still have a loyal following. The Cresselly Hunt, one of the best-known local hunts, continues to hold regular trail hunts and social events, underlining how closely the subject is tied to local rural identity as well as national legislation.

That means any attempt to tighten the law is unlikely to be seen locally as a simple animal welfare measure. For many in west Wales, it will also be viewed through the lens of heritage, land management and concern that rural voices are being overlooked by decision-makers.

The consultation does not itself change the law, but it is the clearest sign yet that legislation is being prepared. With ministers now formally gathering evidence and public opinion, both supporters and opponents of hunting are expected to campaign hard over the coming weeks.

Campaign group says Wales is being left behind as parties urged to back legal framework for trials

POLITICAL parties contesting the Senedd election are being urged to commit to new laws that would allow shared e-scooter schemes to operate legally in Wales.

The call has come from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), a charity which promotes shared transport, ahead of voters going to the polls in May.

At present, Wales has no public shared e-scooter trials, unlike parts of England where pilot schemes have been running since 2020. CoMoUK says that means communities in Wales are missing out on what it describes as a cheap, flexible and greener form of transport.

The charity has published six pledges it wants the next Welsh Government to support. Among them is a commitment to pass the legislation needed to allow shared e-scooter schemes on public roads.

CoMoUK said cities including Cardiff, Swansea and Newport would be well placed to host trials if the legal framework was introduced.

As well as calling for shared e-scooters, the organisation wants the next Welsh Government to create a dedicated shared transport team, expand car club provision, support shared bike schemes, and provide long-term funding for mobility hubs linking different forms of transport together.

It is also urging ministers to ensure new housing developments are designed to reduce dependence on private cars and include shared transport options.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said Wales had a chance to put sustainable transport “at the heart” of political debate ahead of the election.

He said: “Communities in England have benefited from the flexibility of shared e-scooters for years, and it is high time that this innovative form of transport was trialled in Wales too.

“As well as giving e-scooter schemes the green light, enacting our other pledges would help the next Welsh Government unlock a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all.”

Supporters of shared e-scooters argue they could help cut congestion, reduce emissions and make short urban journeys easier without relying on private cars.

However, any move towards legalising schemes in Wales is likely to prompt debate over safety, enforcement and where such schemes would be most appropriate.

At present, no Welsh political party has committed itself to introducing the legislation CoMoUK is calling for.

A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has submitted plans to the national park to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, seeks a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to front façade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the  appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.”

It adds: “The applicant has recently purchased the small retail unit on the ground floor. This was a single room, situated in between the two entrances into the Inn and with its own entrance door from the street.

“The current proposals include integrating this unit into the public house bar area and consequently the application includes a change of use from retail to the serving of food and drink.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas.

“The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year; amended plans being later submitted.

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.