A SERIES of new shelters are currently in the pipeline to protect an animal sanctuary’s equine friends – come rain or shine.

Proposals have been drawn up by trustees for four new horse shelters for Bleakholt, off Bury Road, Edenfield, to replace aging existing structures.

The development would be the latest improvement for the wide variety of animals housed at the sprawling site on the Rossendale and Bury border.

Agent Ian Hastie said: “The horse shelters are necessary to provide shelter from the rain and sun when the animals are put out to graze.

“This would comply with the recommendations of animal welfare societies for the care of horses and ponies.

“The work is necessary as the present structure are becoming unfit for purpose and it is essential that the sanctuary provides shelter for the horses in their care.”

One of the shelters is within Rossendale borough and the remaining four are towards the western end of the site and officially fall within Bury’s boundaries.

The shelter in Edenfield, built out of breeze blocks with stone and timber cladding, with a natural slate roof, will be 3.78 metres tall, and positioned alongside existing hedging.

Horse numbers at the sanctuary will vary according to demand and rehoming.

Earlier this year work was completed on the sheep sheds, which was formerly used as a store, to create four new stables for pigs, sheep and goats.

The sanctuary has recently co-opted a number of new trustees and is also looking to establish a new puppy isolation unit.