THE Hare Festival Way is the proud legacy of the inaugural Cirencester Hare Festival of 2014.

£75,000 was raised then by the people of Cirencester and the surrounding areas to enable Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to set up a splendid new permanent amenity for Cirencester- namely a nature trail along the town's River Churn.

The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust worked tirelessly with Cirencester Town Council to clear sites and provide signage to enhance the route with the Trail opening in 2015.

The Hare Festival Team commissioned seven local artists to decorate permanent sculptures to enhance the Trail and provide focal points on the walk.

Since its opening by he Duke of Gloucester it has proved to be a much used facility. The hares have become much loved Cirencester features.

People pass by the familiar hare landmarks on their way to work, school and walking their dogs. Indeed the town is now known nationally and internationally for its hares and attracts many visitors to the town who come each year in search of them.

The continued popularity of the Hare Festival is testimony to that.

What a pity that this pleasure is now marred by vandalism. We have seen recent damage to the Watermoor hare and past damage to other hares, some of which still remains unrepaired.

It is clear that a concerted effort is now needed to ensure the care, protection and management of this aspect of the Trail.

The overall responsibility of the Trail lies with Cirencester Town Council. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust maintains an interest and the Cotswolds Hare Trail Committee (previously the Cirencester Hare Festival Team) is also a concerned body.

I would suggest that a group with members from each of these organizations is set up immediately to review the best way forward.

I would suggest the following needs to be put in place as a start:

1. Any current damage should be repaired as a matter of priority (We have identified the key people needed for this)

2. Plaques are attached by each hare explaining the Trail naming the artists and asking the public for their support in caring for them.

3. Sources of funding are investigated for the upkeep of the hares - surely a wonderful community project for a local business?

4. Local people identified as Hare Guardians to monitor each hare. There are several youth groups in the Town who could take this on.

All of these acts would ensure that the Trail maintains a cared for and looked after appeal. Signs of neglect never reflect well on communities and Cirencester needs to step up now to ensure that its reputation as the Hare Capital of the Cotswolds continues.

Florence Beetlestone

Director of the Cotswolds AONB Hare Trail

Cirencester