A LIVELY debate is expected this evening (Thursday) over proposed changes on badger culls aimed at preventing the spread of TB in cows.

Farmers, land-owners and wildlife enthusiasts are expected at the Worcestershire conference on tuberculosis entitled TB or not TB.

Hundreds are expected at the open invitation event, which will be held at the Frank Parkinson Centre at Pershore College.

We previously reported how the Government was proposing to reintroduce culls in hotspot areas where TB was present in herds.

Worcestershire and Herefordshire stock holders broadly welcomed the plans when mooted last year, although there were concerns that a piecemeal approach to culls would not do any good.

Members of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn branch are hosting the debate with a panel of guest speakers including Gwyn Jones, NFU vice president, Jack Reedy, of The Badger Trust, Gavin Wilson, of FERA at Woodchester Park, and Kevin Pearce, the NFU’s head of food and farming.

Chairman David Hall, a former college principal, will be keeping the speakers and contributors in order.

Ray Foster-Morison, NFU branch secretary, said: “We have tackled all sorts of issues in the past, but following a change in government policy and the consultation on badger control we look forward to a lively debate.

“We will discuss the issues in all the animals affected by this debilitating disease.

“Places are filling up, but there is still space if anyone would like to attend.”

Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance by calling Bea Mealing, at Carver Knowles, on 01684 853400 or by emailingbeamealing@carverknowles.co.uk People are asked to arrive for 7pm – the debate is due to start at 7.30pm – with drinks available afterwards from 9.30pm.