PLANS to resume foxhunting in Wiltshire next month have received a mixed response.

Last week, the Government announced that hunting with dogs could resume in foot-and-mouth free areas.

Wiltshire has not had a case of the disease since spring, and hunt supporters are hoping the eight-month ban will be lifted in time for traditional Boxing Day meets.

Stringent new rules have been introduced, which require the hunt secretary to keep detailed records on riders and horses for six months after a meet so they can be traced if any new outbreak occurs.

Organisations will also have to apply for permits to hunt and follow strict disinfectant guidelines. The sport will still be banned in areas worst affected by foot-and-mouth, while deer hunting remains prohibited in England and Wales.

Despite concerns over some of the conditions, the Countryside Alliance welcomed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' decision, and its careful approach over foot-and-mouth.

Sarah Hellier, a member of the Alliance from Westbury, said: "I'm all for it. Soon after the disease outbreak, huntsmen took the lead and decided to stop hunting as this was right for the countryside."

Philip Amery, the master of the Wiltshire and Infantry Beagles, based in Warminster, is seeking clarification of the new rules, and hopes they get the go ahead on December 17, as originally promised.

But the League Against Cruel Sports believes the post foot-and-mouth resumption will further convince people of the need for a permanent ban. They said the Government's decision for a comeback would backfire on the hunt.

David Thompson, the chairman of the Wiltshire branch said: "It's completely inappropriate. The countryside has not suffered as a result of the absence of hunting, as it's not overrun with foxes.

"Hunters have got their priorities wrong, they've been pressing for the ban to be lifted for months."

Mr Thompson said he would be registering his disgust at the next meet and hopes protestors force the sport to stop.

Lucy Clark, a spokesman for the RSPCA in Wiltshire, said: "Hunting is cruel and unnecessary and we urge the Government to honour its commitment to deal with the issue in the current parliamentary session.

"If the Government can find time to carry out risk assessments to allow hunting to resume, then it can find time to ban it."