THERE is heated debate at Langleybury Cricket Club after a decision was made to shoot rabbits using their playing field.

The club has authorised a "cull" of the animals, to control their increasing numbers and remove the danger of players stepping in holes dug up on their pitch.

Local conservationists, however, have dismissed suggestions that the bunnies are a health and safety threat and are appalled at the decision to shoot them.

The cricket club leases a pitch from Hertfordshire County Council, as it is part of St Paul's Primary School in Langleybury Lane. It is used by the club's Colts side and youngsters enjoying PE lessons from the school.

The past few years, however, have seen an increase in the number of rabbits using the grass in the early evening.

Kevin Kelly, Langleybury CC chairman, said: "Over the past two years, especially in the summer, we've had a huge increase in rabbit activity.

"We have had more than 100 holes dug up and we're continually filling them in with topsoil. One child has already broken his ankle, it was that bad."

Efforts to control the rabbits by cutting back areas of grass and using gas pellets have failed and Mr Kelly says the club was forced to take more "drastic" action.

He said: "We want to be as humane as possible but the problem we have is someone could seriously injure themselves."

A Hertfordshire County Council representative said the club was granted permission to remove the "nasty infestation" of rabbits on grounds of health and safety.

But their argument has been rejected by Nik Oakley, chairman of the Hunton Bridge Conservation Group.

She said: "I cannot see what a few rabbits can do to affect cricket. They're part of the character of the area. The only health and safety issue are the rabbits.

"We are appalled that anyone can think it is acceptable to shoot wildlife in the village area."