BASC gets Welsh Assembly moving on general licences

Following pressure from BASC, the Welsh Assembly Government will be renewing 25 general licences without any changes this week.

The licences, which included those needed to control pest species of birds, had been due for renewal on the 01 January 2008. However, the Welsh Assembly had failed to renew them and was discussing possible changes to the licences.

BASC contacted officials at the assembly to explain the importance of the licences being renewed without delay as any pest control for which the licences are intended would be illegal. The assembly has now agreed to renew the licences by the end of the week with no changes.

Dr Conor O'Gorman said: "We are pleased that the assembly has agreed to renew the licences without any changes after talks with BASC. We are planning on lobbying the assembly over the next few months so these same problems don't occur when it comes to renewing the licences in 2009."

BASC provides up to date information on general licences in the UK at www.basc.org.uk/content/pestandpredatorcontrol

ENDS

For more information please contact the BASC press office on 01244 573031