A MAJOR rabbit cull is being planned by a prime occupier of the Norcross site in Blackpool.

The Income Related Benefits Directorate stated initially that the rabbit population on the site was suffering from myxomatosis.

After unions asked for proof of the disease on site and numbers of deaths, no further action was taken.

The Public Services Tax and Commerce Union (PTC) has informed the management of its opposition to the cull as no evidence of the disease was forthcoming.

Secretary of Fylde PTC, Duncan Griffiths, said: "I always had my doubts the rabbits had myxomatosis - it was only a smokescreen.

"Now we have flushed management's position out into the open the reasons seem to be merely financial.

"Many of the members would be annoyed and disappointed by such a wanton slaughter."

Martin Jones, vice-chairman of Fylde PTC, added: "The rabbits have a right to exist and I am dismayed that DSS management have sided with the shooting lobby on this matter."

However, a spokesperson for the site management said: "There is a severe infestation of rabbits on the site.

"We called in health and safety experts who have deemed them a health hazard due to their droppings and the fact they are a burrowing animals.

"They could dislodge footpaths and chew through computer cables serving the building."

The problem has now been placed in the hands of Wyre Borough Council's environmental department.

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