LAST weekend saw the opening of the hunting season here in Devon and Cornwall. Alison Hawes, the South West Regional Director of the Countryside Alliance, is reported as saying: "The simple fact is that Devon and Cornwall Police have not proceeded against a single person under the Hunting Act in six years, showing its utter failure."

The Alliance has reiterated time and time again that the hunting fraternity operate only within the law. If this is the case surely the Act should be regarded as a total success. Or does describing the legislation as an 'utter failure' mean that the law is being broken and the police are failing to do their job by prosecuting offenders.

Perhaps Ms Hawes could kindly clarify the position and advise readers of the Echo whether the Hunting Act is being respected or needs to be strengthened.

John Phelps

Argyll Road, Exeter