The list of nominated candidates, which was officially confirmed yesterday, contains representatives from the three main political parties, the UK Independence Party and six independents.

Voting for the £85,000 post takes place on November 15 on what is likely to be a pivotal day for the future of policing in the two counties.

Devon and Cornwall Police are already wrestling with having to make budget savings of £50 million by 2015, with officer numbers being slashed from 3,500 to 2,810. Some 500 police staff are also being axed.

In the midst of the cuts, crime in the two counties has also risen – spiking by 7% in the 12 months to the end of June this year.

The commissioner, who will set the strategic vision for the force but will not control operational policing, also faces key decisions around council tax and appointing a permanent chief constable in their first few months in office. The Government introduced the post, saying the American-style role would bring a level of democracy and accountability never seen in local policing before.

Critics however have warned that it risks the "politicisation of the police service" and attacked the £75 million cost of the election at a time of cuts in police budgets.

A number of warnings have also been issued about the likelihood of a very low turnout at the election.

The Electoral Reform Society said it would be a "complete shambles" and warned fewer than one in five voters could turn out, while Labour has warned that the new police chiefs could be returned on a vote as low as 8%.

Kevin Lavery, the chief executive of Cornwall Council and police area returning officer, yesterday published the list of the confirmed candidates.

They are Conservative Tony Hogg, Liberal Democrat Brian Blake, Labour's Nicky Williams and Bob Smith for the UK Independence Party.

The six independent candidates are Brian Greenslade, Tam Macpherson, Graham Calderwood, Ivan Jordan, William Morris and John Smith.

A poll by Ipsos MORI commissioned by the Transitional Board of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners this week suggested that independent candidates could fare well in the elections, despite not having the backing of a party machine.

In a poll of 1,280 adults, 30% said they favoured a candidate "not representing a political party" while 16% said they would vote Labour, 8% Conservative, 4% Liberal Democrat and 1% UKIP.

Chief among people's priorities were tackling antisocial behaviour and disorder (45%), making the police more visible in the community (37%) and tackling robbery and other property crime (32%).

Ipsos MORI said: "With almost a month to go until the first 41 police and crime commissioners are elected to oversee police forces and tackle crime across England and Wales, 62% of the public are aware of these elections and that, whilst most voters have clear views about who they would vote for, almost a fifth of those who say they 'definitely' will vote are undecided about who to support on November 15."

An earlier poll for the think tank Policy Exchange found that former government ministers and senior politicians were seen as the least suitable candidates.

A majority of those surveyed (59%) thought former police officers would be the best candidates, followed by ordinary people with an interest in the issues (29%), someone from a military background (26%) or someone from a business background (13%).

Former government ministers and senior politicians and MPs were deemed the least suitable being backed by just 6%. The survey also found that voters were not prepared to pay more for policing via their council tax.

Devon and Cornwall Police's share of overall council tax bills rose by £3.13 a year to £159.66 for a Band D property, after a 2% compromise deal was agreed by the Devon and Cornwall Police Authority.

The Government has extended its offer of grants to local authorities, police forces and fire services in lieu of council tax freezes for a third year.

However, the 1% uplift in grant in exchange for freezing its share of council tax would leave Devon and Cornwall another £1.6 million short with its medium-term financial strategy based on an increase in council tax precept of 2.6% a year.

The Police Federation, the staff association which represents constables, sergeants and inspectors, said that could cost the force the equivalent of another 50 officers.

It said the "repercussions of another cut in the budget are unthinkable".

Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, said the offer could "completely tie their hands financially" and "made a mockery" of the Government's arguments for commissioners.

On November 15, there will be 1,375 polling stations open across Devon and Cornwall.

The election is being held under the supplementary vote system in which electors can make a first and second preference. The count, which is expected to take several hours, is being held at Carn Brea in Cornwall.

Rob Elloway is clear what Cornish Pirates need to do this weekend against Leeds to get their Championship campaign back on track after four games without a victory.

The Pirates made a promising start to their league season with wins over Jersey and Plymouth Albion but failed to beat Bristol, Newcastle Falcons, Doncaster Knights or London Scottish.

"We just need to win games now," he said. "I don't care if it is by five tries or four tries or even one point. We just need to win, get on a roll, build confidence and we will be fine."

The 29-year-old hooker sat out last Saturday's 1,250 mile British and Irish Cup trip to Dundee in preparation for this Sunday's game, with Jack Yeandle and Darren Semmens covering the Number 2 shirt.

Cup wins over Carmarthen Quins and Dundee have given the Pirates a timely boost as they look for their first league win since September 9, but Elloway insists that there is no need to press the panic button at Mennaye Field.

"It's been a bitty start but people need to realise that we are a new group of players and things will take time," he said.

"We are stronger in some areas but all the mistakes we have made are our errors and not from opponents putting us under stress."

He urged the club's fans to be patient after two Championship finals in the past two seasons and a British and Irish Cup win in 2010.

"I would say the fans have been spoilt to a certain extent especially with the players we had, but fans will always compare and contrast," Elloway said. "What is different this year is that last season's team was the result of three years of work, and although some people moved on during that the consistency was there.

"Now we have moved on again but if you look back to that first season [under Chris Stirling] we were a shambles in the play-offs and it took us those three years to get where we were. To an extent you could say that the B&I Cup win that year papered over the cracks, even though it was a great achievement for that group of players."

He made no bones about how big a blow to the squad the decision to delay the Stadium for Cornwall project became.

"The ground has not been built and that took the wind out of our sails, there's no question about that," Elloway added.

"Now Ian [Davies] and Harvey [Biljon] are rebuilding again, so if people think we will come second again with this new squad that is arrogant and means that the rest of the teams in this league are poor.

"We will keep building but there is no short-term fix because after three years of work we have now started another three years of work."

The summer departure of Dave Ward to Harlequins means that Germany-born Elloway is now the senior hooker at the club – a tag he modestly refuses to accept.

"I'm not the top dog now, just an old dog," he joked. "I'm delighted that Dave got to move on because he is one of the best rugby players I have played and worked with and hopefully he will go well at Quins if he works hard on his throwing.

"Darren Semmens has come in and he's a top man with a great attitude and will come good. He just needs a run of games and he will be fine. Then there's Jack, who is a big old boy and brings something different again. Competition is good."

Elloway, who also coaches the forwards at St Ives in his spare time, dismissed the notion that the large number of dual-registered and on-loan players at the Pirates this season has been disruptive.

He said: "It's not a problem because the boys coming in on loan are the best 21-year olds in Britain. They are at Premiership clubs because they are good and they only add to the squad."

The only way to maintain Bodmin Moor's unique landscape was by grazing livestock – and farmers needed to make money out of it to survive, said Steve Nancekivell.

He was speaking at the conference to represent Bodmin Moor's 360 commoners, and he was remarkably upbeat.

"We are in a better position than we have been for a long time, and I am very optimistic about the future of hill farming," he said.

But there were problems, particularly with the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which was badly under-funded.

"Let's not try to re-invent the wheel ... it's a funding issue and not a scheme issue," he insisted.

Mr Nancekivell spoke about the "fickle nature" of exchange-rate shifts affecting subsidy payments, and concerns about uncertainties surrounding CAP reform.

The two pilot schemes run by Dartmoor Farming Futures were described by its chairman, Colin Abel. There was "a long way to go" with both schemes, where farmers decide on land management and monitor developments, he said. "But I see this as an opportunity to change the balance, because farmers and their decisions are essential to deliver a satisfactory working moor – and past policies have been too prescriptive."

Kate Harris, of the Exmoor Hill Farming Project, described how over three years her scheme had helped 600 participants, with farm walks, demonstrations, and expert speakers. There had been visits to Wales and Cumbria, a healthy livestock scheme and a mentoring scheme matching experienced farmers with new entrants. "Most of all, what we have discovered is the drive and determination of young farmers," she said.

A project delivering enterprise, project management and sales training for young people and the homeless will boost the South West by more than £570,000.

The South West awards for all, which aims to improve young people's confidence and life skills, is bringing a total of £573,248 across 71 organisations in the region.

The funding comes from Big Lottery Fund (BIG) small grants scheme awards for all, which offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to social and environmental projects that will benefit local communities and make a difference to the lives of those most in need.

Vulnerable young people in North Devon will have the opportunity to build their confidence through a horse-riding project at Ilfracombe Arts College in Ilfracombe.

The £2,850 grant will enable the college to deliver horse riding and outdoor activities designed to develop personal development and team building skills.

In Mid Devon, Ponies Transforming Lives will deliver equine therapy sessions for young people living with Asperger syndrome. The £10,000 grant will enable the Tiverton-based community organisation to deliver the initiative, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of those participating.

Two further projects receiving funding will help local communities through the radio.

Soundart Radio Limited in Totnes will use their grant of almost £10,000 to purchase equipment and training focused on radio activities and programme content, improving the service they provide for the local community.

Torbay Town Centres Company Ltd will use their £10,000 grant to provide a safety radio system for small local businesses in a bid to combat crime and anti-social behaviour within the town centre, and alert each other of any issues they may be experiencing.

Plymouth Pregnancy Crisis Centre will use funding of £4,214 to purchase furniture and equipment following their relocation to new premises due to an increase in demand for their counselling services.

Tamar Grow Local in Gunnislake will use their grant of £7,742 to purchase bee-keeping equipment which will be used by different community organisations.

Mark Cotton, BIG's head of the South West region, said: "It's really positive to see the range of inspiring projects which will engage with young people and make a real difference by boosting their confidence and overall prospects."

During yesterday's meeting a member of the Cornwall Council cabinet was rushed to hospital.

Carolyn Rule, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing and human resources fainted outside the chamber.

Paramedics were called to County Hall and Mrs Rule was rushed by ambulance to The Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro. She is Conservative councillor for Mullion, near Helston.

One notable absence from the chamber meeting yesterday was former council leader, Alec Robertson.

Last week he fell from power after he lost a motion of no confidence in his leadership.

His determination to sign on the dotted line with a private company to jointly run some services sealed his fate.

Council sources said Mr Robertson had gone on holiday with his family for a few days.

One councillor who had voted Mr Robertson out but asked not to be named, said: "There's a general feeling it's probably best if Alec wasn't here today. After last week's drama the dust needs to settle and we need to crack on."

Fellow Tory Jim Currie stepped into Mr Robertson's position and revealed his cabinet reshuffle.

Among the new faces on the front benches is Fiona Ferguson, Conservative now in charge of Corporate Resources.

Bert Biscoe, Independent, has been drafted into cabinet to lead Transport and Highways.

John Pollard, independent, takes Localism, Sustainability and Development.

The rest of the cabinet members retain their positions with some minor adjustments.

Failings by Devon and Cornwall Police meant historic rape cases went two decades without being solved, the police watchdog has said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said Devon and Cornwall Police "missed opportunities" to bring a conviction after it failed to upgrade DNA samples to a national database.

The review said a DNA sample from a 16-year-old girl who was raped in Plymouth in 1989 had not been loaded into the National DNA Database when it came into existence in 1995.

It meant that the man responsible, Shaun Harrison, did not get linked with the attack when a DNA sample was taken from him following his arrest for drink-driving in 2000.

It was only in August 2010 when the Forensic Science Service pointed out that the crime stain from the historic rape had not been uploaded that Harrison was eventually in the frame.

He pleaded guilty at court and was sentenced to eight years in custody for the 1989 rape, and a further four years for a rape he committed in 1994.

IPCC deputy chair Deborah Glass said: "Scientific advances have made it possible for historic crimes to be solved through the use of DNA analysis. However, that process is not automatic because of the cost involved. Our investigation found that Devon and Cornwall missed opportunities over the years to review this case.

"This meant that Harrison's and others' DNA samples were not upgraded in line with forensic advancements.

"The force has accepted all of the IPCC recommendations. A number of perpetrators of serious sexual assault crimes have since been brought to justice.

"The key issue identified by the IPCC is the way that police forces have to specifically request that DNA samples from historic cases be upgraded in line with forensic advancements."

In its report, the IPCC said Devon and Cornwall Police "did not appear to have... a central file store in existence until 1998 with their computerised crime recording system being introduced in 1992."

It added: "Therefore it is somewhat unsurprising that historic cases may remain undetected in storage boxes many years after their occurrence with no-one seemingly taking responsibility for its retention and case progression.

"Forensic science has long made a vital contribution to criminal investigations. In order for this contribution to be robust and thorough, police forces need to utilise their capabilities in a manner that is properly managed and organised if they are to make an efficient and effective impact on the detection and prevention of crime." There followed a complete review into unsolved sexual abuse cases with retained forensic material, including three cases from 1989, 1990 and 1993. Positive matches were obtained from the NDNAD in all three cases which resulted in investigations being commenced and led by the force's Major Incident Teams.

Two men were subsequently jailed following fresh investigations, the IPCC said.

Alexander Shepherd was jailed for six years and four months, after a 27-year-old woman was violently assaulted and raped in Plymouth in 1990, while William Poad was given a six-year sentence for an indecent assault on an 11-year-old girl in Penzance, Cornwall, in 1993, the IPCC said.

The third case, involving the rape of a 15-year-old girl in St Mawes in Cornwall in 1989 "did not proceed further", the IPCC concluded.

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement yesterday in which they welcomed and "fully accepted" the report.

The force added: "We have already adopted much of the learning contained within the IPCC report.

"This investigation has highlighted a potential national issue around how historic DNA should be treated. However, DNA technology has progressed significantly since 1989 and the way police investigate such offences is now very different.

"Victims of crime should be reassured that we will always seek to bring offenders to justice so that whenever possible they can get the outcome they rightly deserve."

The decision was taken to call off two highly-controversial pilot culls at short notice after farmer groups licensed to carry out the shooting of badgers told the Government they could not do the job on time.

The news was greeted with dismay by cattle farmers throughout the South West – though campaigners against the cull were delighted.

But a cull will still go ahead next summer, as soon as the badger breeding season is over, the Government has pledged.

The announcement about the postponement was made in the House of Commons by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who said a survey showing increased numbers of badgers in the two pilot cull areas, in West Somerset and around the Tewkesbury area of Gloucestershire, made it impossible for the culling teams to complete the work by the end of the year.

He said: "Despite a greatly increased effort over the last few days and weeks, the farmers delivering this policy have concluded they cannot be confident that it will be possible to remove enough badgers based on these higher numbers, and considering the lateness of the season. It would be wrong to go ahead if those on the ground cannot be confident of removing at least 70% of the populations.

"Today I have received a letter from the President of the National Farmers' Union, on behalf of the companies coordinating the culls, explaining why they do not feel they can go ahead this year and requesting that they be postponed until next summer. In these circumstances, it is the right thing to do and, as they are the people who have to deliver this policy on the ground and work within the science."

Mr Paterson stressed the Government was determined to tackle bovine TB by all the means available.

He added: "Now, in the next few months, we shall ensure that the pilot culls can be implemented effectively, in the best possible conditions, with the right resources. Having looked at all the evidence over many years, I am utterly convinced that badger control is the right thing to do, and indeed the higher-than-expected badger numbers only serve to underline the need for urgent action. I remain fully committed to working with the farming industry to ensure that the pilot culls can be delivered effectively, safely and humanely next summer."

The new survey results revealed that the estimated badger populations of 4,300 in West Somerset and 3,600 in West Gloucestershire were far higher than previous data suggested. The criteria for the two pilots included the need to remove 70% of the local population, which the scientific evidence has shown is required in order to have a positive effect in reducing TB.

Campaigners against the cull were delighted by the announcement, though frustrated a cull is scheduled for next year.

Jack Reedy, of the Badger Trust, said: "Farmers and landowners have been sadly deluded into believing in – and paying for – the proposed unholy mess, based on a 40-year-old prejudice impervious to science."

Farmers, though, are bitterly disappointed that the pilot culls have had to be called off, because of the lateness of the year, and are concerned that a solution to the TB scourge is further away than ever.

The decision was exceptionally difficult – but on balance was responsible and right, said the National Farmers' Union (NFU).

NFU president Peter Kendall said he understood that the news would come as devastating blow to farmers who are desperate for a solution to the cycle of reinfection of TB in their beef and dairy herds.

He said: "The NFU and its members take their responsibilities on this issue extremely seriously and I know there will be many who are devastated by today's news. We have all worked tirelessly to prepare for the delivery of this Government policy to see us finally get on top of this terrible disease.

"But there have been a series of obstacles, not least the appalling weather, delays because of the Olympics and Paralympics, and the legal challenges from those against the policy.

"And let's be clear, the numbers from the badger population survey last week, which demonstrated just how large the badger numbers are, have left us with a huge challenge to ensure we achieve the targets needed for disease control.

"We have always said that this has to be a science-led policy to reduce disease and we have to be confident of achieving the numbers needed for disease reduction.

"As we rapidly approach winter the odds of achieving that number decrease. This is why, reluctantly, we have taken the decision, with the companies involved, to delay until late spring next year.

"For those that have suggested that this cull is irresponsible, I think today's decision shows that this is simply not the case. Postponement is the most responsible thing to do. We have said all along that this has never been about killing badgers. This has always been about eradicating disease. It has been about the battle to get on top of the TB on our farms that strikes at the very heart of our beef and dairy herds.

"In preparing to deliver on this Government's TB eradication policy we have met with challenges. But I am proud of the way that farmers have worked together and shown great resilience in the face of not inconsiderable opposition – and for that I want to thank them.

"I would also like to thank Environment Secretary of State Owen Paterson and Farming Minister David Heath for their continued commitment to this TB eradication policy."

Specialist farm vets were also disappointed, but pleased there had been no Government U-turn on the culls.

British Veterinary Association President, Peter Jones, said: "Although we are frustrated by the delay in implementing the pilot badger culls, we are relieved that there has been no change in Government policy. The science has not changed. Scientists agree that culling badgers does reduce the levels of infection in cattle herds, and we know that no country has dealt with bovine TB without tackling the disease in wildlife."

Farmer: 'The only real winner here is the disease'

Dairy farmer Paul Griffith was celebrating his herd being passed as TB-free when he heard the news. "This was upsetting and very disappointing," said Mr Griffith, who milks 140 British Friesian and Montbeliarde cows at his farm, near Okehampton. "The only real winner here is the disease and the longer we delay with these pilot culls, the longer it will take other areas to come to grips and solve the dreadful problems we face with TB." Mr Griffith, who is the Devon representative on the main NFU Council, said any extra delay not only increased the pressure on farmers already facing hardship because of the disease, it did little to encourage new entrants to agriculture, who were vital. "We want to get this strategy right for the next generation of farmers," he stressed. "Thank goodness we have an Environment Secretary in Owen Paterson who wants to press on and get the pilot culls working next year." He was angry with the pro-badger lobby. "The Badger Trust, the RSPCA, Brian May and the rest of them are not interested in the plight of farmers, or have any ideas how to help," he added. "They blithely talk about vaccines for cattle and badgers, but we know the BSG vaccine only works for 70% of the time. What about the other 30% of our cattle? What we are looking for is a vaccine that is 100% certain to work." Andrew Butler, acting regional director of the NFU in the South West, said there was "huge frustration" among cattle farmers right across the region at news of the culls' postponement. "But they well understand, because it has been explained in a straightforward way, why we could not have delivery of the pilot culls within the timeframe available," he said. "It's far better that we do the job properly next year, when we have more time." But, he added, the delay in tackling TB was going to make life "very unpleasant" for very many beef and dairy farmers constantly threatened by the disease. He added: "The key issue here and now is that this is a postponement and not cancellation, whatever anyone may like to claim. "It was partly caused by the delays brought about by the legal challenges. "The fact remains, it is not going to be good news for huge numbers of farm businesses already struggling with the problems connected with TB." Andrew Praill, of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said he was disappointed, but insisted it was important to remember that the pilots were based on the available science and were designed to ensure the policy could be delivered effectively, humanely and safely, and eventually lead to the eradication of TB.

Anti-cull campaigners welcome 'the right result'

Campaigners who battled plans for a badger cull have welcomed the reprieve granted yesterday, but signalled they will ratchet up the pressure for a permanent ban. Animal welfare groups said the British public simply did not support mass shooting of badgers and the Government should focus their actions to counter bovine TB on vaccination instead. Joe Duckworth, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said the postponement was "the right result for the wrong reasons". He added: "While we welcome the reprieve for badgers through the Government's decision not to go ahead with the cull this year, it is imperative that this is not simply a delay, but a definite end to the planned cull. "At the moment, badgers are on death row for nine months. "We need the Government to change their policy." The organisation played a central role in the campaign against the cull as a member of the Team Badger coalition. Mr Duckworth said as well as an array of eminent scientists, public opinion was on their side with 160,000 people signing an e-petition forcing a debate in the House of Commons tomorrow. A recent poll commissioned by the league also found 53% of people surveyed would be less likely to vote for their MP if they had supported the cull. Jack Reedy, of the Badger Trust, hit out at the Government over the fiasco, saying: "Farmers and landowners have been sadly deluded into believing in, and paying for, the proposed unholy mess based on a 40-year-old prejudice impervious to science." He accused environment secretary Owen Paterson of a "shameful" series of evasions and errors in "seeking to justify the killing of badgers." There was no proof that the badger population had increased in many years since the last estimate in 1997, said Mr Reedy. He added: "Bovine TB is not currently spreading. "In fact, the number of cattle lost, and compensated for, has been falling since 2008." The RSPCA welcomed the news of a delay, saying it was "good news for badgers, cows, dairy farmers and animal lovers alike". Chief executive Gavin Grant said: "Hopefully it marks the beginning of the end for these unscientific, foolish and cruel plans to cull badgers." Humane Society International also signalled its relief, with executive director Mark Jones saying: "This decision finally reflects the overwhelming scientific, conservation and public opposition to what would have been a disastrous policy for badgers and farmers alike." "We have a vital time window to turn this temporary reprieve into a permanent policy, but for now at least the badgers are safe."

The conduct of the Scilly Isles top administrator is to come under scrutiny at a special meeting next week.

Philip Hygate, chief executive of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, has recently been at the centre of a row about the treatment of the former headteacher of the islands' only school.

Now his own actions will be examined by a special gathering of the Policy and Resources Committee to be held on Tuesday, October 30. The meeting will be held behind closed doors and will discuss "employment issues".

An official notice about the meeting will be published shortly but it is understood its sole purpose is to debate the work of Mr Hygate.

The development is the latest twist in a story which surfaced in May when Bryce Wilby, head teacher of Five Islands School on Scilly, was suspended.

Mr Wilby subsequently resigned and it emerged that an as yet unpublished investigation was looking into alleged financial irregularities.

Mr Wilby was also at the centre of a vote of no confidence by the majority of his staff.

Westcountry Olympians have thrown their weight behind an on-going global campaign to rid the world of polio.

Penzance rower Helen Glover and Plymouth swimmer Ruta Meilutyte have signed up to the Rotary Club's World Polio Day, held today.

Former PE teacher Helen, 26, started Britain's "Golden Games" summer, winning Team GB's first gold medal in women's pairs rowing.

Lithuanian Ruta, who attends Plymouth College, made her name in the women's 100-metre breaststroke when she struck gold.

The athletes have joined Plymouth divers Tom Daley and Tonia Couch, who lent their support to the campaign in 2011. Other Plymouth Leander Swimming Club Olympians, where Ruta trains, are also backing the bid, including Antony James, Jade Howard, Jamila Lunkuse and Hazal Sarikaya.

Plymouth Albion's Canadian internationals Aaron Carpenter and Sean-Michael Stephen are also on board as well as Welsh Rugby 7s player Rhodri McAtee and Cornish Pirates players Grant Pointer and Jonny Bentley.

Rotarians across the world have been working for years to eradicate the debilitating disease with their Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Polio cases have declined rapidly since 1985 but the fight continues to vaccinate children in poor countries against the virus.

MAGISTRATES have ordered the destructionof a dog that savaged three rare breed cows in Perranuthnoe.

The 18-month-old pitbull, named Rocky, was involved in the incident at Trenow Cove Dairy on March 20, which left one of the Whitebred Shorthorns facially disfigured and another dog dead.

The dog's owner, Caine O'Brien, of Whistlers Walk, London, was fined £470 at Truro Magistrates' Court this week after pleading guilty to owning a dog that was worrying livestock and being in possession of a dangerous dog.

The court heard how O'Brien, aged 19, was walking Rocky with his cousin, Aaron Quilligan, of St Levan Road, Marazion, when the incident occurred.

Maurice Champion, for the prosecution, said Rocky and Quilligan's dog Dolly, a Newfoundland/Staffordshire bull terrier cross, attacked the cows after running into the field in which they were kept.

Dairy owner Karen Wall's husband Nick shot Dolly dead with a 12-bore shotgun, causing O'Brien to collect Rocky and leave the field before the dog was later seized by police.

The cows had wounds ranging from bites to the ankles to flesh torn from the face, injuries  so severe that one cow, Guinevere, is permanently 

disfigured and will have to undergo rehabilitation.

Mr Champion said her owner would now be unable to take the cow – one of only 150 in the world – to the Royal Cornwall Show because of the attack.

Police dog legislation officer Phil Nankivell explained Rocky had been detained in a kennel since the incident.

"The dog itself has not shown any animosity to people," he said. "It does appear to be a good-natured dog. On that basis, with a limited time we have had with it, I can't say we have got any issues with it being returned to its owner."

O'Brien told magistrates that if returned to him, he proposed to keep the dog at his flat or a hostel he lived in, and that it would then stay with his mother while he attended college in the daytime.

He conceded, however, that he wasn't certain whether he would be allowed to keep a dog in either of the locations.

Chairman of the magistrates  Graham Symmons told O'Brien: "We don't believe you are a fit and proper person to own this particular type of dog, and that you won't be in control of the dog for 100 per cent of the time."

Mrs Wall, speaking outside court after the hearing, said she thought the outcome had been fair.

"People need to be mindful of what type of dog they have," she said. "There are different types of dog and different types of people. I have nothing against dogs at all; most of the problem is with the owner."

Councillors in Cornwall have voted overwhelmingly to put the brakes on a multi-million deal with telecom giant BT to jointly run services.

The day-long meeting at County Hall, Truro, was calm in comparison to scenes played out in the chamber last week.

Former council leader, Alec Robertson lost his crown while attempting to push through the deal with BT.

In a vote of no confidence he was deposed and replaced by fellow Tory, Jim Currie.

Yesterday, councillors voted 93 in favour of not leaping to the final tender stage until the deal had been debated and approved by a meeting of the full council.

It went further in calling for chief executive, Kevin Lavery to investigate alternative methods of making savings and generating income.

No one voted against the motion – seven abstained.

Mr Currie, who also revealed his Cabinet reshuffle at the meeting, told the chamber he would be taking personal responsibility for shared services.

He said: "I have a healthy scepticism about this exercise. I intend to co-ordinate those for and against properly.

"For those who have doubts I think their doubts have not been properly articulated or forensically looked at.

"I am now in a position to facilitate that."

The motion also called for the matter to be brought back before full council at a future meeting.

However, no indication of when that might be was given, but councillors accepted it was a "matter of urgency".

Councillors were told the BT deal was on the table until March next year.

The controversy that saw Mr Robertson lose his position involved plans to set up a joint venture with a private firm to run key services such as benefits administration and personnel and library services.

A report to the council previously claimed the joint venture contract would save at least £2.5m a year.

In August the cabinet ignored the will of the council by forging ahead with plans to sign a contract with a private firm.

BT and US giant CSC threw their respective hats into the ring, only for the latter to withdraw following Mr Robertson's unceremonious departure.

Before the vote was taken yesterday councillors revealed which way they were likely to vote if, and when crunch-time comes. Councillor Andrew Wallis put the motion forward to stall the process after collecting more than 6,000 signatures from the public opposing the deal.

Referring to the cabinet ignoring the wider council over the plan, he said: "This petition was started because people were so enraged the democratic vote was so quickly ignored."

Councillor Steve Double, said the authority already spent millions a year with private companies and Cornwall would suffer if the BT deal failed.

He said: "This council spends £450 million a year with the private sector and I am sure those companies make a profit.

"Why all of a sudden are we afraid of companies making a profit?"

Councillors in Cornwall have called for their numbers to be slashed and pay doubled for those who remain in power.

Yesterday, Cornwall Council voted in favour of bumping up their pay packets by £2,472 a year on top of the current £12,128.

From next May, following council elections councillors will take home £14,600 a year.

At a full council meeting at County Hall, Truro, the 20% pay rise was voted through, saddling the taxpayer with an extra £304,056 a year.

Councillor Mike Varney said he believed members should work as professional politicians.

He said: "We are all well aware the current £12,128 is simply not enough.

"I think we should get rid of 60 members and pay the rest £35,000 a year so they end up filling their time as a professional councillor."

They also voted in favour of increasing the current 40p a mile in travel expenses to 45p a mile.

The £2,472 increase came following a report by the Independent Remuneration Panel, set up to come up with a figure that would not prevent people on low incomes from standing as councillors.

In particular, younger people and those with families perhaps on low incomes were borne in mind.

Panel members had recommended to the council allowances should rise £4,071 to £16,200 a year, which would have increased the strain on the public purse to half a million pounds.

However, John Pollard, the new cabinet portfolio holder for Localism, Sustainability and Development, put forward a motion calling for the £14,600.

He said the rise reflected previous allowance increases councillors had rejected.

He said: "£14,600 is what new councillors should be getting.

"If we want to attract new, young councillors this is what we should be offering."

After Mr Pollard's amendment was passed the, 42 councillors voted in favour of the extra £2,472.

In the "no" camp, 29 voiced their opposition, while four abstained from voting.

According to the report by the panel, the amount they originally came up with was based on members putting in an average of 25 hours a week on council business.

Councillor Andrew Long said on average he worked 50 hours a week for the electorate.

He said: "That means (on the current rate) I earn £4.61p an hour which I think is illegal.

"Last year I spent £1,750 more than I earned and I can't keep doing that."

Mr Long said if allowances did not increase, only the wealthy would be able to stand for local government.

Councillor Andrew Wallis reminded the chamber it was not voting for itself but for future members.

He said: "There's no guarantee any of us will be here in May.

"I know there are two councillors in this room who are not going to stand again because they can't afford to." Mr Wallis said he struggled himself to work full-time as a councillor.

He added: "Most of the people I talk to in my area say the maximum (allowance) should be £20,000."

Councillor Stuart Cullimore said he could not in all conscience vote in favour of the motion.

He said: "At a time when we are looking at a 30% reduction in housing benefit and our staff face a pay freeze, we cannot award ourselves an increase. I think if you have a passion for politics you will find a way."

FUNDRAISERS who have contributed more than £400,000 to west Cornwall hospitals in the past 12 months are holding their annual event tomorrow.

The League of Friends of West Cornwall and Poltair Hospitals have recently donated £102,000 for the renovation of the reception area at the St Clare hospital.

One half of that work has already been completed with the rest due to be completed in early November.

Simon Vickery, site manager for contractor Mansell's said: "The work has involved laying new flooring, new signage, general decoration and a remodelling of the reception desk area on the other side. "

The Friends rely entirely on fundraising and their annual coffee morning is tomorrow at The Queens Hotel from 10am to noon; admission is £1.

VANDALS have damaged a new sign at the Hayle recreation ground just a week after it was put up to celebrate the community effort which saw a new football pitch installed there earlier this month.

Damage was caused to a number of fixtures at the recreation ground on the evenings of October 16 and 17.

On the Tuesday evening the sign commemorating the efforts and contributions of local sponsors who had supported the installation of the new football posts and nets, was partly torn down.

On Wednesday evening, the wooden fence and gate which surrounds the children's play area was damaged.

Police Constable John Fulker, of Hayle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "It's a real kick in the teeth for those who have actively supported the facilities at the rec.

"I know how upsetting this has been for them.

"Any information which might lead to the prosecution of the offenders, who are clearly not bright enough to realise that as a community we now rely upon the altruism of local bodies, volunteers and charities to provide these kinds of facilities, would be greatly appreciated."

St Ives' Sergeant Mike Friday who organised the fundraising and construction on the new football pitch added: "All the people that put money into doing the football pitch were happy to have the sign up and someone has destroyed it. It is not very good."

If you have information, contact the police on 101, quoting crime number AY/12/858.

BUSINESSES in Penzance are calling on shoppers to Go To Town! and help give the high street a welcome boost.

Around 50 traders have thrown their weight behind The Cornishman's latest free car parking day, offering top deals and discounts in a bid to entice people in to the town centre.

The event, due to be held on Wednesday, will see many of the town's Cornwall Council-owned car parks going toll-free for the day in a bid to boost business locally.

"I hope this will bring people into the town who wouldn't normally come in and would instead use out-of-town shopping," said Fred Keast, owner of Keast Opticians. The Alverton Street business is offering people 33 per cent or 50 per cent off selected frames as part of the Go To Town! day.

The opticians was one of the businesses that took part in the first free parking day in February.

Research carried out from the event found that 1,500 extra people entered Wharfside Shopping Centre from the Wharfside car park where free parking was on offer – a 37 per cent boost on the previous week.

Hoping for more footfall on the day, Mr Keast said it would be great to attract more people.

"If we have offers then people can come in, have a look and see what we've got."

By taking up the chance to waive the parking fee, shoppers will not only benefit from a price-crunching visit to the tills, they will also be showing their support for local businesses battling on through the current economic troubles.

Another trader hoping to see an influx of shoppers eager to part with their pennies is Tracey Forrester, of Mimi's Boutique, Causewayhead.

"I think Go To Town! is a fantastic idea and a good boost for the town and it is great that The Cornishman is running it," she said, adding that a free pair of rose earrings will be given away with every purchase on the day.

"I think Penzance is on the up. People say it is all doom and gloom but it is getting busier out there and this is another way to help that."

After being contacted by The Cornishman, former Cornwall Council leader Alec Robertson has agreed to use some of the Leader's Contingency Fund to cover the loss of income brought about by the no-ticket event.

The free parking will be available at Cornwall Council venues across the town apart from Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Penalverne.

Penzance Town Council is also showing its support for the shopping incentive day by offering up Penlee car park for free.

To make sure you can take up the offer, cut out the voucher (below) and put it in your car.

POLICE in Hayle are hunting a thief who stole more than 1,000 chocolate bars and packets of sweets from a car.

The sweet-toothed crook got away with 384 limited edition white KitKat Chunkies, 288 packets of Rolos and a selection of other confectionery, which was boxed up in the back of a car.

The incident was part of a spate of thefts from motor vehicles in the Trelissick Fields area of Hayle.

Four locked and unlocked vehicles were targeted during the incidents, which police believe took place between 4am and 4.30am on October 17.

St Ives' Sergeant Mike Friday said preventing such opportunistic crimes was "about making sure people check there is nothing on show and their vehicles are locked."

Police wanted to hear from anyone who might have seen someone acting suspiciously, possibly looking into and checking the doors of cars.

The thieves took:

384 White KitKat Chunkies

288 Packets of Rolos

96 Drifter bars

72 packets of Jelly Tots

72 packets of Fruit Gums

72 packets of Milky Bar Buttons

72 Milky Bars

72 Aero bars

36 packets of random sweets

Money, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems.

Witnesses are asked to call the police on 101, quoting crime reference number AY/12/855.