A CULL to control grey squirrel numbers in Okehampton's Simmons Park is to begin as an increasing number of trees are showing serious damage caused by the animals.

Park keeper David Whitfield was at the council's park committee recently to discuss the damage being done to trees and branches by squirrels in the park.

Although looking attractive, grey squirrels can cause serious problems for woodland. They have been bark stripping and ring barking trees in the park, particularly in the wooded area behind Chalet Treloar.

In the last season alone, Mr Whitfield has had to remove 'thirty to forty trees' due to damage caused by squirrels.

If left untended, the damage can cause branches and trees to fall, potentially on to pathways and thoroughfares within the park.

Mr Whitfield said: 'The area behind Chalet Treloar and 50 metres either side has been devastated by strip and ring barking. If these fell as a result of this damage, the consequences could be catastrophic.'

The skills for bark stripping are passed down from generation to generation of squirrels. It is hoped that a cull of squirrels in areas particularly affected by bark stripping will remove knowledge of these skills, and new squirrels that enter the area will not have learned them from their ancestors.

Cllr Maureen McDonald said: 'This is a very emotive subject, and one we should handle sensitively. We must remember though that squirrels are vermin, and they are causing serious damage.'

The committee voted to buy six trapping cages and an airgun so that squirrels can be humanely trapped and killed with a minimum of distress to the animals. Six councillors supported the cull, two were opposed and one abstained.

After discussion to employ an outside contractor was raised, the council decided the cull would be carried out by Mr Whitfield, who holds both a firearms certificate and a shotgun certificate. As per legal requirements, the traps will be checked daily, and any trapped squirrels will be shot humanely.

Cllr Michael Ireland said: 'Any cull carried out needs to be humanely done and professionally done. That is my main concern.'

Cllr Daniel Pledger said: 'We have a park keeper here who is clearly capable of carrying out such a cull. It is a lot cheaper option here than a contractor.

'We need to think of the taxpayer here and spend public money wisely. I would support whatever Mr Whitfield suggests.'

The cages and gun are to be purchased at an estimated cost of £200 to £300.