*** Ledbury Hunt chase a fox into the town of Upton on Severn * Fox escapes into a shed * Hounds running around the estate for nearly 30 minutes ***

Huntsman Mark Melladay was seen taking his hounds to his favourite stick pile, a common hiding place for foxes in this area, but none were found there today. He drew blank around some hedgerows then went over to Long Covert where a holloa was heard (a noise made by a person on point to communicate that a fox has been seen). That fox was hunted south towards Longdon itself.

They then picked up a fox who was to seek refuge in the town of Upton on Severn. As the sab’ out today was at Southend Farm, she should hear hounds as they started speaking, and were then heard in full cry heading from Paradise Plantation straight towards the town.

Hounds were everywhere running in many directions in gardens and on to the road. It was some time before terrierman Tom Stokes and his chums arrrived on quads to try and get them back, as huntsman Mark Melladay used horn calls to try and retrieve the pack.

The residents were not impressed by this invasion at all, nor the complete lack of control that the hunt staff had. The fox had sought refuge under a shed we have been told and four hounds were desperately trying to get to him.

West Mercia Police arrived at Southend Farm and followed the hunt when they left. They carried on hunting until dusk and now have their hunt ball tonight.

Eight badger setts were checked today and none were found to be blocked – we have done a lot of work in this area against the blocking of setts, including speaking with landowners, and this appears to be paying off. Other areas which are more at risk will be checked tonight and tomorrow by locals.