A PROTEST ramble was held on Ilkley Moor as the grouse shooting season opened.

About 100 campaigners carrying home-made banners and picnic baskets took part in the protest which was organised by Ban Bloodsports on Ilkley Moor (BBIM).

The group says Bradford Council is the last local authority in the UK to allow grouse shooting on municipal moorland and is lobbying Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe not to renew a contract to do so which expires in 2018.

Its spokesman Luke Steele said: “There is only one way to manage Ilkley Moor for grouse shooting and that is through burning away and damaging precious habitat at the expense of our region’s wildlife.

“Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe must accept responsibility for the damage caused by grouse shooting to the moor’s wildlife, habitat and reputation on the local authority’s watch by giving a commitment to not renewing its disastrous shooting licence. Anything short will only ensure this conservation calamity continues.”

Last month, a Bradford Council spokesman said: "Grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor is restricted to just eight weekdays during the grouse shooting season. The current contract to allow shooting on the moor will come to an end next year, 2018.

"All representations will be taken into account before any decision is made on whether to renew the contract or not."