A DECISION by the Cattistock Hunt not to hold its traditional Boxing Day meet in west Dorset has been met with regret.

Hunt Master Will Bryer said the move away from Beaminster – which was made long before the tunnel tragedy closed the road – was prompted by concerns about disrupting traffic and also about having a change of scene for the hunt and its followers.

The annual meet is a big occasion with hundreds of families turning out to greet the riders and animals.

The A3066 road from Beaminster to south Somerset has been closed at Beaminster Tunnel since July after a devastating landslide which claimed two lives.

Mr Bryer said: “We might well go back to Beaminster in a year, two, three years’ time. We’re certainly not going for any negative reason.

“We love the people of Beaminster and we thank them for all their support.”

The hunt will be meeting in the village of Hardington Mandeville in Somerset.

Town council chairman Gilbert Berry said he was disappointed the hunt was not coming.

“I am very sad because it is something I always look forward to but that is the way of the world.

“There has never been any problem in the past with safety as far as I am aware.”

Wild Garlic restaurateur Mat Follas, who provided refreshments for last year’s meet, said: “I am sad they are not coming.

“I like the spectacle though I am firmly on the fence on the ethics of hunting or not hunting.

“I think it is disappointing – Beaminster could do with the boost although there is a lot of good news around the town.”