THOUSANDS of Cornish residents, including a large delegation from Liskeard, are planning to converge on London on March 18 for the Countryside Alliance's 'Liberty and Livelihood' march.
Already groups in the region have booked over 260 coaches, with the East Cornwall Hunt, based near Liskeard, so far selling enough tickets to fill 12 coaches.
A train, which has been specially chartered for the occasion, will also be taking protesters from the county to the capital. The idea of the march is to place pressure upon the government to acknowledge the needs of the rural community. Recent anti-hunting votes, and the right to roam debate, as well as the continuing problems with farming and fishing, have added to local people's desire to voice their opinions.
Around 275,000 people attended the last Countryside march, which was held three years ago in London. Despite the fact that next month's protest will have pro-hunting origins, those taking part will be representing a wide range of countryside-centred interests.