A VILLAGE could still see 131 new inhabitants as a decision to allow wild boar to be kept was deferred. 


James Bolton applied for a licence to keep wild boar at his property in New England, in between Ridgewell and Haverhill. 


As part of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976, Braintree Council needs to approve the licence. 


There is a licence for the New England Boar Company to keep 55 wild boar already in place.


But the firm, which supplies meat to restaurants and the public, has applied to keep an adult male, 10 adult females and 120 rearing boar on site. 


The matter was discussed at a Licensing Committee meeting on January 5. 


A Braintree Council spokesperson said: “An application to keep wild boar was deferred pending a site visit. 


"As such no final decision has been made on the outcome of the application and accordingly it would be inappropriate for further comment to be made at this time.” 


The council has received a number of complaints, saying residents "do not feel safe in their own homes due to the proximity of the animals". 


Toby Wilson Waterworth, a resident, said: "It's dangerous and it has not been considered properly. 


"There's a danger of the boar escaping and of people climbing over. 


"If they escape and end up on the A1017 police have to get to the road.

 
"They are omnivores and they will go after young deer, they are nasty wild animals and they will attack a person." 


The complaints also included a possible infestation of rats, smells and noise. 


Residents have said the enclosure is too close to Walton's Lane and the old railway line where people walk. 


The council’s Environmental Health team have also received a number of complaints from residents living nearby. 


However a vet was appointed to check over the site and had no concerns about the licence. 


If the licence is granted it shall be in force until January 2019.


Mr Bolton was contacted but said he does not wish to comment at this time.