For Immediate Release

Wednesday 15th August

ACTIVISTS ACCUSE COUNCIL OF CORRUPTION AND FAVOURITISM

Anti-shoot campaigners have accused Bradford Metropolitan Council of corruption and favouritism following the release of documents and internal communications regarding the controvercial move to allow grouse shooting to return to Ilkley Moor.

E-mails and letters between Danny Jackson, Countryside and Rights of Way Manager at B.M.C. and Edward Bromet, Head of the successful shooting tenders, Bingley Moor Partnership, show an "extremely close working relationship" going back to before adverts were placed for tenders for shooting rights in April 2008. The pair discuss their plans for the moor and the relevance of not advertising for other tenders, talk of initial payments, know colleagues on informal first-name terms and even wish each other a "Happy New Year" in what Bromet desribes as "many months of discussions."

Further evidence reveals the Bingley Moor Partnership repairing the then council-owned grouse shooting butts free of charge in 2006, adding to the favouritism shown by Bradford Council when choosing the succesful company to host shoots on Ilkley Moor. The other organisation which applied was West Morton-based Upwood Hall, run by retired farmer Lewis Robertshaw, who have had a history of disagreements with the Countryside and Rights of Way office because of disputed access rights regarding public footpaths crossing their land.

West Yorkshire Hunt Saboteurs spokesperson commented; "These documents reveal the true agenda behind Bradford Council's plans for shooting on Ilkley Moor and the lack of independance when making important decisions. The relationship between the council and the Bingley Moor Partnership regarding the issue is nothing short of corrpuption and favouritism".

ENDS


Please note that scans of the communications are attached and areas blacked out cannot be released due to the Data Protection Act 1998.