Wild goats of Devon win reprieve

Attempts to keep the herd in the valley have failed

The wild goats of Lynton have been given a reprieve after the town council decided to abandon plans for a cull.

Instead it has agreed to install fencing and a cattle grid to try to stop the animals entering the town and causing a nuisance.

The town council hopes the compromise will provide a long-term solution to the problem.

Villagers have been divided over whether the goats are a tourist attraction or a nuisance.

Livestock-proof

Some believe the goats are an important part of the local heritage and a tourist draw, but others think they are pests which damage gardens, eat flowers in the cemetery and leave mess everywhere.

Councillors now hope they have managed to please the pro-goat and anti-goat camps.

At a meeting on Wednesday night they agreed to set up livestock-proof fencing and a cattle grid.

Concerns were expressed that a cattle grid could ruin the peace and tranquillity of the famous valley, and it was decided that the siting of the grid would be fully investigated.

They also voted to form a group to manage the goats and the Valley of Rocks.

Wild goats have roamed the valley for hundreds of years and 79 were recorded in the Domesday Book.