TROUBLESOME goats caught chewing up gardens and farmers crops will be culled this winter. Officials at a multi-agency meeting yesterday decided the number of wild goats damaging the Rhinog area of Snowdonia must be cut. But there was disappointment the cull will not extend to Beddgelert this winter-where the goats have been munching their way through local gardens. In Rhinog the feral goat herd has swelled nearly 50% to 500, causing problems for residents, farmers and motor-ists. Conservationists are also concerned about damage to woodlands. Yesterday officers from Snowdonia National Park Authority, Countryside Council for Wales and the National Trust agreed action was needed. A plan will be prepared to reduce the numbers which is likely to see the goats shot by a marksman. Details are yet to be finalised said SNPA head of conservation David Archer. Farmer union officials also attended the meeting to voice their concerns. Mr Archer said: "There was a strong opinion among individuals, communities and the farmer unions that action needed to be taken because the goats were getting into gardens, eating farmers crops and getting on to the roads. "They are extending beyond their normal habitat and there needs to be positive management because it is a matter of concern. "At this stage we are gathering information and undertaking surveys and there will be another meeting to consider steps to reduce the population in the Rhinog area. "The exact number and timing needs to be agreed. The probable method that is likely to be used is to shoot the goats by a marksman. "We know that there is a lot of concern in Beddgelert but at this stage there are no plans for a cull this winter." Beddgelert and Tremadog councillor June Jones, who also sits on Beddgelert Community Council, said: "There has been an increase in the number of goats in the last few years. "They are getting into everybody's gardens, chewing them up and creating problems. I was expecting them to carry out a cull this year and am very disappointed." | 
