Goat 'cull' divides townspeople

Attempts to keep the herd in the valley have failed

A herd of wild goats is facing a cull over claims they are invading a cliff-top town in Devon.

Wild goats have roamed the Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth, north Devon, for hundreds of years and 79 were recorded in the Doomsday book.

Some residents claim the goats are destructive and dangerous and on Thursday councillors will debate culling about 75% of the herd.

Other residents and environmental groups say the goats should stay.

They'll just go anywhere they can to find something to eat. They're a pest and there's no doubt about it Lynton resident

The goats roaming the rugged Exmoor valley have strayed into the town to graze on plants and flowers in gardens, allotments and the local cemetery.

Local people say the goats are ruining the area and are pressing Lynton Town Council to carry out the cull.

The move has attracted fierce opposition from environmental groups who are set to hold a protest.

Lynton resident Roland Gold believes there are alternative ways of dealing with the goats.

He said: "We've been trying to sort out a system of fencing and cattle grids to make it possible to keep the animals in the valley where they're needed.

Tourist attraction

"Unfortunately, there are people against cattle grids and there are people against fencing and there are people who're unhappy with the goats intruding in gardens."

Mr Gold says the goats are not dangerous and attract thousands of tourists to the area every year.

Residents' views of the wild goats are varied

But his opinion is not shared by other townspeople, who say the goats are problem which has to be tackled.

One resident said: "They have no discrimination and they'll just go anywhere they can to find something to eat. They're a pest and there's no doubt about it."

Ahead of the council meeting on Thursday afternoon, Town clerk Geoff Dwyer told BBC News the council was in discussions with English Nature.

"The valley needs management and one option is grazing," he said.

"There are about 80 goats and we will be discussing various options, including relocating a significant number of them, if not all.

"Opinion in the town is divided, so I'd say the council is between a rock and a hard place."