NEW regulations could be introduced to stop free-roaming sheep in Bream – despite the doubts of senior Forest councillors.

The Forest Council is to consult on introducing a public space protection order (PSPO) to prevent ‘irresponsible shepherding’ in the village after many complaints about sheep mess.

The consultation was one of the recommendations of a group of councillors who have been investigating the problem since October last year.

The report of the scrutiny task group was presented to the council’s Cabinet – who wanted the consultation delayed until it was clear the order was practicable and enforceable.

There were also concerns that the order would just move the problem to other areas such as Parkend.

Although the PSPO would only cover Bream, task group chairman Cllr Brian James (Lab, Coleford East) said the report was the start of a process “that will actively implement a number of measures available to alleviate the ongoing problems associated with irresponsible shepherding in the parish of West Dean.”

He insisted the introduction of a PSPO “will not bring about the end of the tradition of free-roaming sheep.”

But he added: “It must be understood that the evidence received by the task group supports the urgent need to take action to alleviate the problems caused by irresponsible shepherding which has been experienced over a number of years by the residents of a number of villages.”

Cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr Marrilyn Smart (Con, English Bicknor and Christ­church) said she was concerned about the en-

forcement, the cost and whether it would be effective.

She added: “I would like to see a bit more work on this because I think we have to be absolutely sure it is going to be effective.”

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Brian Robinson (Con, Mitcheldean), said implementation of the PSPO should be delayed for six months “to allow scrutiny to undertake the additional work necessary in terms of trying to get agreement and to understand the costs.”

He added: “Because the decision in principle is made the message will go out that if responsible shepherding does not start to happen this decision will have to be implemented.

“There would be a clear window for them to take some improvement action.”

But Cllr Richard Leppington (UKIP, Blakeney and Bream) accused Cabinet members of trying to “kick it into the long grass.”

He said: “This is a point of principle that has got to be worth taking forward.

“We owe it to my constituents in Bream who’ve had to suffer this for years to at least make an effort.

“I’d hate to think what the reaction would be if this were kicked into the long grass.”

Cabinet member for Community, Cllr Terry Hale (Con, Newland and St Briavels) told Cllr James: “You are moving the problem to Parkend. Hopefully you will have a public consultation and let Parkend know what is expected because they will have all the sheep down in Parkend.”

Cllr James said: “We’ve had observations from Parkend, in Oldcroft, in Pillowell, in Yorkley. They are fed up with the sheep problems they have experienced over the years.

“We owe it to them to find a way through.”

The Cabinet agreed to have a 12-week consultation about the PSPO for Bream during which time the task group would look further at issues of cost and enforcement.