A PRO-HUNT supporter from the Vale who attended the large-scale protest in London which turned into scenes of violence has criticised the police for the way they handled the event. Ricky Proffitt, of the Flint and Denbigh Hunt, said trouble began because there was not enough room for the number of demonstrators at that part of Parliament Square. "People were really just trying to move the barriers back because they could not get enough space and air. But without doubt the police were very heavy-handed, it was absolutely scandalous," said Mr Proffitt. However Judi Hewitt, of Denbighshire League Against Cruel Sports, felt the responsibility for the fighting should be placed firmly on the shoulders of the pro-hunt lobby. She said: "The scenes that we saw being broadcast on national television news and in our newspapers just expose the hunters for what they are. It showed that they have no respect for democracy at all." She welcomed the decision by the House of Commons, by a majority of 190, to ban fox hunting and hare coursing but expressed concern over the length of time it could take to introduce the legislation. "I am glad that MPs have voted against hunting, but it is disappointing that we are going to have to wait so long for the ban to come into force." Countryside Alliance North Wales spokesman Barry Henderson said he felt the vote by the politicians had been a foregone conclusion, but it had made people realise they were being used as political footballs. "It is not really about fox hunting at all but political games playing, I think people feel manipulated and used," said Mr Henderson. "Many people have signed a declaration of intent to continue hunting even after it is banned and a large number of those live in the Vale of Clwyd." | 
