A GUNSMITH from Tickenham is setting up a poacher watch to combat the alleged increasing problem of illegal deer lamping in North Somerset.

Ian Summerell has been asked by the Union of Country Sports Workers, which he represents, to help stop lamping – the night-time shooting of animals with the aid of spotlights – in Tickenham, Nailsea, Clevedon and Portishead, as well as other areas across the district, where he says there is an increasing problem.

He said: "I am pro-hunting and shooting but lamping needs to be stopped."

Mr Summerell, told the Mercury he has had numerous reports from farmers visiting his workshop who are finding field gates left open and tyre tracks, a good indication, he says, of what is going on.

He said: "This is happening in the early hours of the morning and those responsible aren't asking the permission of many of the farmers and landowners to enter their fields.

"This has been going on for the past year but has increased lately.

"I need farmers and landowners' help to let me know if this is happening to them.

"I am also looking for volunteers so I can set up the poacher watch and prove this is happening."

Wes Jones, who works for the NFU in Clevedon, said: "This is the very first report we have had of this nature."

If you have information about deer lamping in this area or are interested in joining the poacher watch, email ian.summerell@hotmail.com.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said they were not aware of any activity in the area.