CAMPAGNERS calling for an end to grouse shooting on the publicly-owned Ilkley Moor have accused Bradford Council’s leader of refusing to debate the issue.

Anti-bloodsports campaigners want the authority to pull out of a ten-year lease of shooting rights to the Bingley Moor Partnership.

Ban Bloodsports on Ilkley Moor (BBIM) has mounted protests on the moor and carried out other actions, including gathering a 1,000-signature petition and a social media campaign targeting the Council.

But Campaigners claim that when Bradford Young Greens tried to organise a public debate on the issue ahead of this decision, Council leader Councillor David Green refused to take part.

BBIM’s petition calling for a rethink of the sporting lease is expected to be considered by the Council’s Executive in the New Year.

Protesters said Bradford Young Greens asked to see Cllr Green and Edward Bromet, senior partner in the Bingley Moor Partnership, go head-to-head with BBIM spokesman, Luke Steele, and Dr Mark Avery, former director of conservation for the RSPB, in a debate.

Mr Steele said: “Bradford Council’s decision to allow grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor has drawn widespread criticism since the rights were awarded. There are serious concerns surrounding its conflict with wildlife, conservation efforts, the local economy and users of the moor which must be addressed.”

He added: “ Councillor Green’s refusal to publicly debate is not only disappointing, but is cocking a snook at all who wish to see rational discussion on this matter.”

Shihab Basit, of Bradford Young Greens and National Executive Committee member, said the use of our Ilkley Moor for grouse shooting was a contentious local issue which had overshadowed Bradford Council this year and the organisation sought to provide a platform for reasoned debate.

But Cllr Green said he had not been available for debate.

He said: “The executive has not yet made a decision, so I’m not quite sure what I can add to a public debate.”

Bradford Council awarded the ten-year contract to run shoots on the moor to Bingley Moor Partnership in 2008, allowing commercial shooting of grouse and related moorland management.

The shooting lease was one of a series of measures taken following the extensive fire on the Bradford Council-owned moor in 2006.

The lease provides income as well as moorland management working alongside the council.