Bradford Council’s Executive Committee has announced this morning that grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor will be permitted to continue until 2018, however predator control shall not. Ban Bloodsports on Ilkley Moor (BBIM) welcomes the clarity provided on when the bloodsport, the last of its kind in the country to take place on a public moor will end, and the decision to halt all predator control. However, we condemn the decision to allow it to continue until 2018, given this will decimate the population of red grouse, an amber listed species awarded international protection, on Ilkley Moor from competing shoot participants and predators. It is our position the resolution drawn to continue grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor until 2018 still remains incompatible with The Council’s lawful obligations under the Open Spaces Act 1906, particularly to manage the area in a proper manner. BBIM will consequently be stepping up the public pressure placed on The Council, including by returning to City Hall, to completely abandon the bloodsport. We will also non-violently intervene to prevent grouse shoots taking place on Ilkley Moor during the 2015 season, the first of which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 13th August, in order to uphold the 1906 Act. Ban Bloodsports on Ilkley Moor (BBIM) wishes to thank our supporters, including volunteers, moor users, local businesses, councillors and residents of the region, who have bolstered our campaign so far.