LISTEN: Moray councillors seek compromise between residents and wildfowlers in Findhorn Bay
Petition and counter petition presented in shooting argument
Moray council have been presented with petitions from both sides of the debate between local residents and wildfowlers in Findhorn Bay.
Hear Bryan Rutherford from MFR News on the challenges ahead as a compromise is sought:-
The economic development and infrastructure committee received a petition signed by more than 800 locals calling for a complete ban on shooting wildfowl in the bay, which is part of a designated nature reserve.
They were concerned that wildfowling was taking place in close proximity to residential areas and that people living in the area were suffering increasing disturbance from indiscriminate shooting and noise.
The committee also heard that a counter petition had been submitted by the pro-wildfowling lobby and that it was currently being validated.
Councillors were advised in a report that a ban on wildfowling would require the creation of a byelaw which, if challenged, could cost the council an estimated ÂŁ30,000 - ÂŁ35,000.
Given there were conflicting views on the introduction of a ban, it was likely that a public inquiry would be required.
SNP Councillor for Forres, Aaron McLean, will form part of Moray Council's work with petitioners both for and against wildfowling. Local councillors will also be joined by those from the nature reserve’s management committee, in a bid to find a way forward on the controversial issue of wildfowling.
Cllr. McLean is confident of a solution:-