An NOP poll for the Countryside Alliance reveals that the public is split over a ban on fox hunting.

Supporters of the rural sport are threatening a "summer of discontent" to pile the pressure on ministers to reject a ban of fox hunting.

A 500,000 strong march in central London, the Countryside Alliance hopes, will focus government minds on rural opposition during a six month consultation process that will see Labour backbenchers press for a complete ban on fox hunting.

The NOP poll found that 48 per cent of the public supported a ban on hunting with dogs, with 23 per cent backing compromise and 25 per cent wanting legislation dropped altogether.

The Countryside Alliance believes public backing for a ban is falling - one 1997 opinion poll found a 76 per cent majority against fox hunting.

And some pro-hunters will take heart that the poll appears to reflect splits between the Commons and Lords, the NOP's soundings were taken the weekend after MPs overwhelmingly backed a ban and peers called for compromise.