Decision due on Ilkley grouse shooting ban

A petition of more than 1,000 signatures, co-ordinated by local campaigners, triggered a review last summer into a ten-year agreement which sees Bradford Council allow the Bingley Moor Partnership to run shoots on the iconic moor and manage its environment.

Despite the objections, largely raised on biodiversity grounds, the Council’s Environment and Waste Scrutiny Committee has recommended the contract is honoured until it expires in 2018. Members of the Council’s Executive committee must today decide whether to uphold that recommendation.

Ban Bloodsports on Ilkley Moor co-ordinated the petition, attracting the support of The Friends of Ilkley Moor.

Edward Bromet, lead partner at Bingley Moor Partnership, said it was “simply false” to say the management of the moor has caused a decrease in biodiversity. The Partnership spends £60,000 of its own money on managing the moorland, employing three staff.