BADGER watchers in Craven are claiming a victory for the animals despite the decision to cull thousands in a bid to wipe out TB.

Members of Craven Badger Group gave evidence to the House of Commons Agriculture Select Committee which is looking into what has been done and what can be done to control the disease.

And some of their comments were even included in the subsequent report published this week.

Badgers have been blamed for transmitting the bovine form of TB to cattle, although badger groups say a direct link has never been established.

The select committee recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture look into the possibility that the disease could be spread through other factors.

The report includes suggestions by the Craven Badger Group, including the use of badger-proof fencing between areas taking part in a specially controlled experiment, to stop results being distorted.

The group also suggested checking badger traps regularly to ensure badger-baiters did not take advantage of the caged animals.

Liz Groves, from the Craven group, said she was satisfied with the report's conclusions and recommendations.

"Having attended one of the oral sessions of the Select Committee I feel satisfied that this has been a fair investigation," she said. "On a personal level, this has restored my faith in the Government system.

"I also feel it shows individuals and small groups can have their say and make a difference."

Mrs Groves added that the Craven Badger Group was keen to work with farmers and landowners.

"I would hope that if we were located in a high TB incident area we would be open-minded enough to work with MAFF and others to find a workable solution to bovine TB," she said.

"As it is, we are very keen to keep our area TB free for the sake of both badgers and cattle."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.