Employing undercover professionals has rid the district of almost 180 illegally tethered horses in just two months.

Councillors were being told today that since private contractors PPS were brought in last October, 175 horses had been moved by their owners from Council-owned land.

The horses were whisked away as soon as the Council publicised its intention to bring in a company to impound them.

But a further four were seized and impounded by PPS which works undercover using secret methods.

The Council brought the professionals in when it had to suspend its own service because of threats by owners.

Police said the problem of horses straying or being tethered on public land was costing them thousands of pounds because they were receiving about 25 calls a week which officers had to attend.

Environmental protection and waste management director Richard Wixey says in a report to the environment scrutiny committee today that two horses were impounded from a playground at Dane Hill Drive, Holme Wood, and two others seized from East Bowling Park six days later.

Members were being told the operations were trouble-free because of the way the company worked. Only one horse was claimed but others went to auction, with proceeds going towards Council costs.

The company was brought in because of serious problems across the district. People said they were frightened, particularly on recreation areas. Councillor John Ruding (Lab, Tong) told scrutiny committee members last year that a cat was said to have been kicked to death by a horse on a doorstep. He said flowers left by mourners had been eaten in Bowling Cemetery, footballers were unable to play matches because of horses on pitches, and a woman had been chased and bitten by one.

Mr Wixey was telling members the cost of the service for the first two and a half months was £5,600 and the estimate for the full year was £35,000. This was made up of management costs of £8,400 and bills for the operation of between £20,000 and £30,000.

Coun Ruding said today: "The two horses impounded on the play area at Holme Wood had been there for many years, and at times there had been as many as four in East Bowling Park. It is pleasing to see that some progress is being made."

Ravenscliffe resident Susan Brooks, who has expressed concern about horses on the estate, said: " It is essential a close eye is kept on statistics during the next six months."