Plans for goats on resort cliffs

Plans to introduce herds of mountain goats along a seven-mile (11km) length of cliff-top at a seaside resort in Dorset have been announced.

The proposals, designed to save money and manpower, form part of a project to redevelop Bournemouth seafront between 2007 and 2011.

A council spokesman said the goats would help maintain the area, keeping gorse and shrubbery under control.

He said he hoped they would attract more tourists to the area.

A public consultation on the plans is in place until the beginning of next month, when they will be submitted to Bournemouth Borough Council.

If approved, the goats could be grazing on the cliff-tops by the beginning of next year.

Andrew Emery, of Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "They are Sites of Special Scientific Interest with various flora and fauna. All that has to be carefully managed.

"We hope to become a beacon for people visiting to inspire them with ideas for sustainability and become the leading seaside resort for environmentally friendly tourism."