Regrettably the countryside is having to call again, in force, on

Westminster on September 22.

This is entirely the fault of MPs, the only interest most of them appear to show in the countryside is in trying to force an unjust hunting ban through Parliament.

Such a measure would not help a single rural (or urban) family and would harm many. It would also harm, not help, animal welfare.

Meanwhile, most MPs show little intent to tackle the key threats to rural life such as the collapse in farm prices, the disintegration of rural services or the near-inaffordablity of local housing.

This has served only to compound rural people's views of the House of Commons as a place whose ruling politicians neither understand nor care about the real crisis in rural Britain, where, unless one happens to be wealthy, living in the countryside is becoming increasingly difficult.

The theme of the Countryside Alliance's massive September march is 'Liberty and Livelihood'.

Its purpose is to demand that Government commits itself to defending the right of rural people to live their lives responsibly in the way they choose; to safeguard rural people from prejudiced attacks on hunting with dogs and all other field sports; to respect the values and customs of rural communities; to ensure any laws directed at rural people have their consent; and to address the real problems of the countryside which are destroying its communities, its culture and its children's future. In short, the march is to call on the Government to ensure Parliament does something for, rather than to, the people of the countryside.

Here in Worcestershire we are well underway with preparations for the event, with a number of transport organisers in place.

Anyone wishing to take part and who would like to travel down with us should call (01952) 740800.

For many of those who marched in 1998, it proved to be a memorable and moving event. The march in 2002 should top this experience.

More importantly, it should send a signal of rural solidarity and resolve that it will be next to impossible for any responsible Government to ignore.

Audrey Steel, Countryside Alliance county chairman for Worcestershire, Inkberrow.