ANTI-badger cull campaigners have voiced their despair that the third of four pilot culls in the West of Gloucestershire has begun without their knowledge and fear it could pose a danger to the public.

They have called for Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl to 'step up to the plate' and take seriously his role of protecting the welfare of local people.

However, a police spokesman has reaffirmed the timing of the cull is a government department decision and their role was only to ensure the process was lawful from both those carrying our the cull and those campaigning against it.

Recently the government's rural department, DEFRA, announced the planned cull was going to go ahead but would not issue a starting date. Just a few days ago two badgers, one dying and one already dead with a mutilated body were found in the cull zone.

Campaign spokeswoman Jeanne Berry said: “This is not a balanced approach to public safety. There are a number of questions that we want answers to."

The group said it was left to local badger campaigners to break the news when the cull puts everyone out walking at risk; asked why the public was funding police costs and also questioned the competence of the shooters involved in the cull.

"Whilst we have seen improving relationships with police on the ground we do feel that the PCC is paid to stand up for local people and ensure value for money and we’re seeing little evidence of that so far," said Mrs Berry.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: "The pilot badger cull is a Defra-managed issue under licence from Natural England and it will be up to them and the operating companies to decide when it takes place. Our role is to provide a police response that is neutral and independent of any cull. We will be impartial, even-handed and fair to everyone, whatever their views, interest or involvement in the pilot scheme. We will work with those who wish to exercise their human rights to oppose the cull through peaceful and lawful protest and those undertaking the cull to enable them to carry out a lawful activity.

"We will also mediate - when appropriate - with parties involved in protest issues, promote crime prevention and reduction, respond to assessed threats and evaluate any emerging risks, deal with firearms licensing issues required in law and be fair but firm and respond to any breach of the peace under Common Law. In the event of a major incident, we will coordinate a response with other agencies in line with civil contingency legislation and practice. We also have a responsibility to investigate any party for breaches of criminal law in a way that is proportionate, necessary and accountable."