WELCOME to Yorkshire, the county’s tourism marketing board, is being urged to tell the Countryside Alliance (CA) it cannot be a member because of its stance on hunting.

Pickering Town Council was told by Coun Tommy Woodward the CA was closely linked with the pro-hunting lobby. He said his motion was not about hunting but about an organisation that had publicly said it was prepared to break the law on the issue.

He told the meeting Welcome to Yorkshire did good work in promoting the county, but pointed out people had posted comments on a Facebook site that they would not support the marketing organisation if the alliance remained a member. He feared its connection with Welcome to Yorkshire could harm Ryedale’s tourist business.

Other councillors said the CA was involved in caring for the countryside, not just supporting hunting.

Deputy mayor Coun William Oxley successfully amended part of the motion calling on Welcome to Yorkshire to reconsider its decision and return the CA’s membership fee.

Councillors said the tourism body should not accept any political or lobbying organisations as members.

Coun Woodward said he would take the issue to Ryedale District Council to seek its support.