Hillgrove Farm protesters could disappear just like New Age travellers, according to Thames Valley Police's Chief Constable.

Charles Pollard made the claim last night, following Saturday's 1,000-strong march through Witney town centre.

But protesters immediately hit back and promised they would keep going until the cat-breeding farm closes.

Mr Pollard was quizzed about the spiralling cost of policing Hillgrove Farm at a press conference in Kidlington, where he addressed a wide range of issues.

It has cost at least £500,000 so far to police demonstrations at the farm in Minster Lovell near Witney.

Mr Pollard claimed that the number of protesters was falling and would continue to do so as activists gradually lost interest and moved on to a different cause. He said: "Take the concept of New Age travellers - it just suddenly went. They stopped because the police became very good at policing them.

"I have been in the service for 32 years and cannot remember a time when the police have not had to deal with some sort of protest."

Mr Pollard added that the force would continue to allow peaceful protest but he envisaged dwindling numbers as protesters' enthusiasm and commitment "gradually reduced".

And he cited the use of legally-enforced exclusion zones around the farm itself as a key step forward.

He said: "We can get an order backed by the Home Secretary declaring an exclusion zone around the farm. That is why a march took place at the weekend instead.

"Some people will get fed up in time, while others will go to prison."

Asst Chief Con Robert Davies added: "Whether it is protests about animals or roads, we are facing more and more of these environmental challenges."

Heather James, spokesman for the Hillgrove Cats Campaign, said protesters would continue their campaign until the farm closed.

And seasoned campaigner Cynthia O'Neill, 60, said: "I believe Mr Pollard is talking complete rubbish.

"We have started and we intend to finish. We won't go away until every cat has been re-homed."

Mrs O'Neill, who has heart trouble, blamed the stress of the campaign for her illness - but vowed not to give up.

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