A LEADING West Somerset hunt chairman has poured cold water on plans by anti hunt campaigners the League Against Cruel Sports to wield ASBOs against hunt members.

Tom Yandle, chairman of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, said hunts operated within the law as demanded by the League, andf that League plans were "a non-starter."

As the Devon and Somerset Staghounds staged West Somerset's biggest meet at Exford on Boxing Day, the League launched a new Prosecution Unit, backed by top lawyers, to control the behaviour of hunters who, they say, believe they are a law unto themselves.

In a statement, the League said it would explore the use of anti social behaviour legislation against hunt members who, it claimed, routinely trespassed on private land; frequently lost control of their hounds; blocked country lanes with 4x4s; and behaved in an aggressive and intimidating manner towards anyone who complained.

League chairman John Cooper warned: "We have been advised that scores of hunts are prime candidates for anti social behaviour orders and our unit will be actively assisting the victims of such behaviour to take appropriate legal action.

"ASBOs are not just for hoodies as many hunts are about to find out."

But Mr Yandle told the County Gazette: "The League can't say the law is not working. It's what the League wanted."

And he denied the hunt trespassed on private land.

He added: "The locals know how to get round blockages, so it doesn't really affect them."

Boxing Day meets also took place at Wellington Square, Minehead (Minhead Hunt), Dulverton (Dulverton Farmers), Ralegh's Cross (West Somerset Hunt), Ilminster, (Taunton Vale), and Nether Stowey (West Somerset Vale).