THIS time last year those of us who have campaigned over past decades for an end to the abomination of bloodsports were looking forward to the Hunting Act coming into force.

We were not so naive as to imagine that all would be well out on the hitherto well-worn killing fields, but we did not know quite what to expect either.

Another Boxing Day has passed and we can report that hunting wild animals for sport is by no means an anachronism of the past.

The tally-ho brigade are exploiting every loophole and in many instances seemingly carrying on as before, apparently believing, with every hunting day that passes without arrests, that they are getting away with it and that no one dares to call them to book.

They are wrong.

As one hunt chairman was reported as saying: "It's not the police we've got to watch it's the antis with their video cameras."

Our evidence gathering is hampered, but not halted, by the new sporting delight enjoyed by hunt followers hassle the antis.

Presumably these over-grown playground bullies believe that their disgraceful tactics vandalising our vehicles, tailing our every move and blocking us in whenever possible, along with threatened physical abuse and blocking our view of hunt activity will discourage us at the very least.

A very false impression!

If there is nothing to hide, why hide it?

However, we believe, from footage that we have managed to secure, that there is a very great deal to hide and that the law is being broken day after day.

Neither ourselves nor the police are going to brush away these incidents as insignificant or inconsequential.

Laws are passed and are meant to be obeyed; the law against hunting with hounds is, in our opinion, being repeatedly broken.

The pressure on the hunting people must be continued if the campaign by so many is to be completely won.

If members of the public see any hunt activity which they think might be in breach of the law, would they please contact Hunt Crimewatch on 0845 330 8486.

Bea Bradley,Watlington