Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Thankfully, in more cases than not, councillors have rejected these pointless motions, but others have seen it as an opportunity for a bit of political grandstanding.

“Of course, you can’t ‘ban’ a lawful activity on land which hunts don’t even use. Often the councillors behind these motions waste resources and time knowing full well that it achieves absolutely nothing.

“It has all the hallmarks of the 1980s when left wing urban councils declared themselves ‘nuclear free zones’.

“Boxing Day meets in particular are incredibly well attended and often provide a big boost for local businesses. Councils that attempt to stifle this much-loved tradition are open to the accusation of being anti-rural.”

It is said that saboteurs have in recent years attempted to tie hunts up in red tape to stop the legal activities taking place. This includes proposing bans and making health and safety complaints.

Last year Peterborough City Council was also accused of a “political stunt” after it banned meets despite no hunt using their land. Councils do not have the power to ban hunts from using private land.