Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has condemned the Welsh Labour Government's decision to drop its plans to cull badgers as part of an attempt to wipe out bovine TB in cattle. Rural Wales has been waiting since June last year for a decision from the Environment Minister on this policy and have now been told that the Welsh Government will be looking to introduce a vaccination programme instead.

Mr Davies said: "I am extremely disappointed with the statement from the Environment Minister, especially given that he voted in favour of that policy less than a year ago. Once again, the Welsh Government has let down farmers across Pembrokeshire and sadly, they will have to pay the price of this damning decision."

"Whilst I accept that this is an extremely sensitive issue, it appears that the Welsh Government has made this decision, with little or no thought for the farmers that this U-turn will affect. I very much hope now that the Minister publishes details of cost estimates associated with this decision, when compared to the original cull programme."

"I recently visited Plas Pontsaeson in Moylegrove to witness the effects of this devastating disease first-hand and see the distress that the Welsh Government is putting these animals and farmers under. I invite the Minister to come and visit farmers in Pembrokeshire to see the reality of this disease because immediate action is required now to eradicate bovine TB."