HUNTS are unlikely to return to Monmouth- shire immediately despite the lifting of a ban imposed because of foot-and-mouth disease.

Controls have been in place since February when foot-and-mouth disease was discovered.

The National Assembly said it will relax the controls on hunting with dogs and falcons following a consultation period.

But the Curre Hunt and Monmouthshire Hunt will miss out because Mon-mouthshire is still classed as an infected area.

Alan Hayes, senior master of the Monmouthshire Hunt based at Llanvihangel Gobion, says permission to start hunting would still be needed from the Masters of Foxhounds Association and local farmers and land owners.

Mr Hayes said: "We couldn't do anything until our status has been lifted. Monmouthshire is still classed as an infected area and as such we would only hunt after all restrictions are lifted and that would have to be with the consent of the farmers."

Mr Hayes said the hunt, which has 76 hounds, had laid off one worker and had only been able to exercise the hounds on roads and in the kennels since being prohibited from hunting.

He added: "We can pick up fallen stock but we can only go to one farm at a time. When that restriction is lifted we will feel freer about it but that restriction I cannot see being lifted until at least the New Year. We are hoping the restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible."

The Assembly decision was made in the light of Veterinary Risk Assessments which considered the justification of a blanket ban in England and Wales.

The proposals outlining conditions under which hunting with dogs and falcons could resume in foot-and-mouth free counties are out for consultation until December 7.

Ten days later temporary permits for hunting with dogs in foot-and- mouth free counties could be handed out.