While TS prides itself on producing the highest quality copy, day in, day out, there are some that have accused us of writing absolute horse dung. And for once they are right.

The Forum of Private Business is kicking up a stink over new legislation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that will see equestrian businesses face what it called a ‘stealth tax’ on horse muck.

From July, businesses that compost horse manure will have to obtain a permit, costing up to £500. They will also have to install concrete flooring beneath the muck heaps, which could cost thousands.

If the government sticks to its word, and some FPB members carry out threats to take truckloads of the compost to Downing Street, the muck could really hit the fan.