TWO Forest of Dean councillors on opposites side of the political divide have joined forces to call for action against the mushrooming wild boar population in the Forest.

Councillors Tim Gwilliam, Labour, and Richard Leppington, UKIP, have set aside their ideological differences to urge Forest of Dean District Council, the Forestry Commission and Defra to take positive action.

They claim that the boar, believed to number about 1,500, have far exceeded their estimated manageable target of 400.

They also say the feral hogs are becoming bolder and increasingly encroaching on town and villages in search of food.

In recent weeks they have caused damage by digging up grass in public leisure areas, church graveyards and sports fields in Cinderford, Lydney and other areas.

And one large male was even seen trotting up Cinderford High Street in broad daylight.

Cllr Leppington said: “It is time these authorities accepted responsibility for this problem and did something about it. It is no good for them to say they have no legal responsibility for the boars’ damage to private property.

“It is getting worse and worse and no one wants to know about the problem.

“Tim and I have been getting increasingly frustrated by the authorities’ refusal to accept responsibility for this.”

Cllr Gwilliam added: “It is high time the council, the cabinet, the forestry and indeed Defra were brought to book.”

Cllr Terry Hale, Forest of Dean District Council cabinet member for the community said: “It is the responsibility of the landowner to protect their land and property from wildlife and is not a cost that should be borne by the local taxpayer.”

And commenting on the specific problem of graves being desecrated at St John’s Church, Cinderford, he said: “The removal of the scrub land surrounding St John’s church will not prevent wild animals from accessing the cemetery.  

“Wild boar are known to be nomadic and can travel great distances over a short period of time. 

 “A site visit by two members has identified that the boundary wall of the church is in a poor state and a section has fallen down, which has enabled the boar to gain access to the cemetery.

“In addition the gate to the churchyard is occasionally left open, which again allows the boar to access the grounds.  

“As the site is owned by the church it is their responsibility to ensure the necessary maintenance is carried out to prevent wildlife from entering the churchyard.”

Cllr Hale reported recently to the council Cabinet on a meeting he has had with Defra, at which he was given a 15 minute slot give a view from the Forest of Dean District Council on the current situation.He said he is still waiting for a response from Defra.

The latest statistics from the Forestry Commission show that, in spite of a culling programme, the boar population is spiralling out of control.

But it still maintains that boar activities on privater land is the responsibility of the landowner.