I am delighted Defra has made the decision to suspend its licence to kill the surviving badgers at Saltdean.

Minister for Animal Welfare Elliot Morley has at last decided to step down from his ivory tower and cease his onerous deed of slaughter.

Thanks must be extended to Southdown Badger Protection Group, with particular gratitude to Trevor Weeks, who co-ordinated the campaign and kept a constant vigil at the site.

High Court action continues against Defra and I look forward to a positive result in favour of the Southdown Badger Protection Group.

Congratulations also to the residents of Saltdean and surrounding area who supported this campaign.

What a wonderful group of people they are. I take great pleasure in seeing "power to the people".

-Coun Lynda Hyde, Brighton and Hove City Council