Sleaford MP Stephen Phillips visits local farmer to see damage caused by hare coursing

Mr Phillips spoke to a number of local famers last week and on Friday visited South Kyme farmer Leonard Morris to inspect the damage caused by illegal hare coursing across the constituency.

Coursers often come from towns and cities hundreds of miles away to rural areas, and their cars, which are often unregistered, unlicensed and untaxed, cause substantial damage to crops, infrastructure and surrounding land.

Mr Morris had invited Mr Phillips to see the damage for himself and to thankthe MP for raising the issue up the agenda of Lincolnshire Police.

Mr Phillips said: “Hare coursing is not only illegal, but also causes damage to our land and crops, not to mention its effect on wildlife.

“Farmers should not have to put up with people trespassing on their land, driving across their crops and intimidating those who confront them.

“I have raised this with Lincolnshire Police and asked what more they can do to enforce the law against hare coursing.

“I am also continuing to fight for more funding for our police force, which I hope will help to make a difference.”