Alliance alert to march trouble
31 January 2001
Alliance alert to march trouble
By Isabel Davies
THE Countryside Alliance is drawing up contingency plans to foil attempts by animal rights activists to sabotage the Countryside March.
James Stanford, march director, said the Alliance was making preparations should anti-hunting campaigners try to make trouble on the 18 March.
“We are conscious that we have had four or five months to prepare for the march, but so have the people who wish us ill,” he said.
Mr Stanford said he did not want to frighten people from taking part, but agreed there was a distinct risk that campaigners would try to disrupt the march.
As a security precaution, the organisation is keeping secret from where it will operate the march on the day.
Despite the threat of intimidation, march organisers report that preparations are going well.
Over 125,000 people have now registered for the march and over 2000 coaches have already been booked.
Eleven trains have been chartered, and a North Sea ferry has been booked to sail from Newcastle down to London carrying march supporters.
Celebrity supporters are already signing up, including a strong contingent from the rugby world.
Scottish internationals Budge Pountney and Kenny Logan are lending their support to the campaign, as are Englands Phil Vickery, Tim Rodber and Julian White.
- Speaking to FWi, Countryside Alliance director of communications Nigel Henson stressed that all who supported free choice on the subject of hunting with dogs will be welcomed on the march
- The Countryside March – Sunday 18 March, 2001
- Rural rides to the Countryside March – click here
- Marchers must back right to hunt, FWi, 30 January, 2001