A DONKEY debate has been reopened after a council's decision to fund the traditional British pastime was met with scorching criticism.

At the end of January Ongar Town Councillors voted to spend £600 on donkey rides, to take place on two Sundays in May and June on the nature reserve at the end of the high street.

Despite Ongar's previous involvement with donkeys, residents having longed grazed the animals on the northern side of Crispey Brook, and the rides' low £1 cost, opposition to the scheme has been fierce.

As well as the concern's of residents, Epping Forest Countrycare has submitted evidence to the council which has led to the issue being re-tabled at this Thursday's planning and environment, open spaces and public relations committee.

Aimi Middlehurst, town clerk, said: "The onus is on the council as the hirer to insure the animal's welfare.

"The is something that councillors need to be aware of. Epping Forest Countrycare felt that an event of this kind could have a negative impact on the nature reserve.

"The donkey hoofs could damage the soil and the flora.

"If it is wet it could get chewed up."

Donkey rides have received bad publicity in recent years.

More than 128,000 people have signed a petition calling on Clevedon Council in Somerset to ban donkey rides.

The impassioned petition writer recalls visiting the seafront with their niece and nephew.

They wrote: "The weather was hot, and there was one donkey being walked up and down, carrying a child. Imagine yourself walking all day in the hot sun carrying a child, and only being allowed to stop and rest when someone else lets you. That's what these poor donkeys have to endure."

In Ongar, the reaction has been more mixed.

Taking to Twitter, Claire Stoney wrote: "I agree the nature reserve is underused, but why not do a nature based activity?

"Building bird feeders or hedgehog huts maybe a nature based treasure hunt?

"All more educational, fun, inspiring and much kinder than donkey rides."

Marika Brewitz, a law student who grew up in the town, felt less sympathetic towards the domesticated mammals.

She said: "Donkeys have been carrying people throughout history. Mary rode into Jerusalem on a donkey."