IT was business as usual for the Cury Hunt on Saturday when they held their first meet after legislation was passed to ban hunting with dogs in England and Wales.

Riders and hunt followers gathering at a Mullion farm heard Mark Davidson, chairman of the Cury's supporters club, read out a pre-prepared statement from the Council of Hunting Associations branding the law "bad and unjust" and calling on rural communities to work together to see the legislation repealed.

Following the meet, Mr Davidson said spirits had not appeared to be dashed by the confirmation of the ban.

"I don't think people were down," he said. "We were expecting it anyway and I think there's a sort of quiet determination that we will keep going one way or another."

Hunt officials are due to attend a meeting in Truro next week, which is one of a series being held by the CHA to discuss the way forward.

There is particular concern for hunt staff, including the Cury's groom, Jackie Alway, who faces losing her livelihood and her home, and Lizard-based farrier Mike Stevens, who will see one-third of his winter income wiped out.

As things stand at the moment, the ban is due to come into effect towards the end of February 2005, although moves are afoot to try and delay its implementation until 2006.

Local MP Andrew George, who was in favour of a licensing system to regulate hunts but voted for an outright ban when the compromise option was withdrawn, said he was pushing the Government to delay the legislation, and to compensate hunt staff.

"This is going to have a significant effect on a small number of people and I am concerned about them," he said. "People who will be losing their livelihoods should receive compensation and they should also be given more time to adjust to the situation and sort out what they are going to do."

Mr George is due to meet with rural affairs minister Alun Michael next week to press his case.

Meanwhile, there has been little word from the police as to how they intend to enforce the ban. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said this week they were considering the potential operational implications and would comment further shortly.

The Association of Chief Police Officers has said Chief Constables will be encouraged to contact local hunt organisers to explain the law and ask that it be adhered to.

Hunt followers have questioned the effectiveness of any enforcement and voiced concerns at the additional burden on an already over-stretched police force, in particular in rural areas.