Petition launched to save popular Bacup tourist attraction

4:50am Sunday 25th March 2012 in Bacup

A PETITION has been launched to save a popular tourist attraction that faces a court battle with Rossendale Council.

Petting farm Animal Quackers, in Newchurch Old Road, Bacup, is being prosecuted by the council in April over several issues, including selling animals without a pet shop licence and offering donkey rides without a licence.

The attraction has also appealed the refusal of a planning application at the site, which owner Terry Bork said has left a “dark cloud” hanging over the future of the farm.

Mr Bork said: “We have appealed the planning refusal and are confident the issues have been sorted.

“I really think the council are trying to close us down, but we are one of the best attractions in Bacup and we are very popular.

“We need to be working together with the council, and not against each other, and I have told them this.”

Animal Quackers, which opened four years ago, offers visitors the chance to interact with rabbits, Guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice and snakes.

Planning officers had served a notice against the attraction which would have stopped the barn being used as a provision for visitors and entertainment.

Mr Bork said: “The issues have left a dark cloud hanging over the future of Animal Quackers, we have put a lot of time in to this and have tried to do everything the council has asked of us.”

A petition set up by a customer on March 20 called ‘Save Animal Quackers’ has already attracted over 350 signatures.

Coun Christine Lamb, portfolio holder for operations and development control, said: “No one disagrees that petting farms are enjoyable, educational experiences for families but they are subject to higher health and safety controls than normal farms.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council can confirm that it has been working with the owner of the facility to provide a safe, secure, enjoyable tourist facility for the Valley.

“As the local authority for Rossendale, we have a duty to make sure that all measures are undertaken to ensure Animal Quakers is safe.

“Rossendale Council can confirm it is not taking action to close down Animal Quackers and has never served a closure against the premises.”

Comments (10)

9:58am Sun 25 Mar 12

gazza69 says...

nothing surprises me with rossendale (bent) council, thats why they was once the the worst council in the country i think they will still be near to the bottom of the league..... total clowns !!!
nothing surprises me with rossendale (bent) council, thats why they was once the the worst council in the country i think they will still be near to the bottom of the league..... total clowns !!! gazza69

11:17am Sun 25 Mar 12

HelmshoreBoy says...

It says a lot for Bacup's other top tourist attractions? Well its not surprising seeing as its in Stacksteads.

Why should public money - ie the council tax payers of Rossendale, support another lame private venture that has been struggling for some time and has already received a grant from the County Council to set up a few years ago.

To put it bluntly, its a bit of a "Dead Duck"!
It says a lot for Bacup's other top tourist attractions? Well its not surprising seeing as its in Stacksteads. Why should public money - ie the council tax payers of Rossendale, support another lame private venture that has been struggling for some time and has already received a grant from the County Council to set up a few years ago. To put it bluntly, its a bit of a "Dead Duck"! HelmshoreBoy

1:55pm Sun 25 Mar 12

disgusted tunbridge wells says...

Not exactly Woburn
Not exactly Woburn disgusted tunbridge wells

6:55pm Sun 25 Mar 12

Little Mermaid says...

HelmshoreBoy wrote:
It says a lot for Bacup's other top tourist attractions? Well its not surprising seeing as its in Stacksteads. Why should public money - ie the council tax payers of Rossendale, support another lame private venture that has been struggling for some time and has already received a grant from the County Council to set up a few years ago. To put it bluntly, its a bit of a "Dead Duck"!
It was me that set up this petiton and I am glad so many people are supporting me with it. As a regular visitor to the farm over the last 4 years I will not let it go without a good fight! And anyone who labels it 'lame' etc (HelmshoreBoy) clearly has never visited the farm themselves
[quote][p][bold]HelmshoreBoy[/bold] wrote: It says a lot for Bacup's other top tourist attractions? Well its not surprising seeing as its in Stacksteads. Why should public money - ie the council tax payers of Rossendale, support another lame private venture that has been struggling for some time and has already received a grant from the County Council to set up a few years ago. To put it bluntly, its a bit of a "Dead Duck"![/p][/quote]It was me that set up this petiton and I am glad so many people are supporting me with it. As a regular visitor to the farm over the last 4 years I will not let it go without a good fight! And anyone who labels it 'lame' etc (HelmshoreBoy) clearly has never visited the farm themselves Little Mermaid

8:12pm Sun 25 Mar 12

stagfest says...

I really hope that the farm can meet basic levels of standards so it can stay open!!!
I really hope that the farm can meet basic levels of standards so it can stay open!!! stagfest

8:42pm Sun 25 Mar 12

rggraham1947 says...

Who needs these places? Get out into the countryside and see wildlife "in the wild"!
Who needs these places? Get out into the countryside and see wildlife "in the wild"! rggraham1947

8:58pm Sun 25 Mar 12

Little Mermaid says...

If anyone would like to sign the petition and help to save the farm the link is http://www.petitionb
uzz.com/petitions/sa
veanimalquackers?fb_
comment_id=fbc_10150
591024707202_2084158
2_10150595894242202#
f1531bbb8
If anyone would like to sign the petition and help to save the farm the link is http://www.petitionb uzz.com/petitions/sa veanimalquackers?fb_ comment_id=fbc_10150 591024707202_2084158 2_10150595894242202# f1531bbb8 Little Mermaid

9:14pm Sun 25 Mar 12

rockylad says...

I can only assume the negative comments are from people who have not visited the farm! Farmer Terry provides a great time for young and old alike, and his farmyard tours are full of passion and humour.
Animal Quackers is a little gem of a tourist attraction and I hope it can survive.
I can only assume the negative comments are from people who have not visited the farm! Farmer Terry provides a great time for young and old alike, and his farmyard tours are full of passion and humour. Animal Quackers is a little gem of a tourist attraction and I hope it can survive. rockylad

10:19pm Sun 25 Mar 12

JB40 says...

Helmshoreboy - At least take the trouble to find out where Animal Quackers ACTUALLY IS before you make rude and offensive comments! thank you
Helmshoreboy - At least take the trouble to find out where Animal Quackers ACTUALLY IS before you make rude and offensive comments! thank you JB40

8:03pm Mon 9 Apr 12

RossendaleKnight says...

As someone living in Stacksteads and being a shop owner in Bacup - this is the sort of attraction the valley needs if it is to be a tourist area. I agree that 'some' of the council are useless when it comes to a co-ordinated effort on tourism. It was a petition supported by Cllr Jackie Oakes (stacksteads ward) that saw the end of plans up Blackwood for a tourist caravan site. All the rumours that were going round at the time were that it was for a gypsy caravan site. It seems some councillors have their own agendas for Rossendale. I think it's about time we in the valley pushed for an elected Mayor - someone who loves this valley and wants only the best for it. Preferably someone who isn't part of a political party. I really think it's the only way to save the valley's future.
As someone living in Stacksteads and being a shop owner in Bacup - this is the sort of attraction the valley needs if it is to be a tourist area. I agree that 'some' of the council are useless when it comes to a co-ordinated effort on tourism. It was a petition supported by Cllr Jackie Oakes (stacksteads ward) that saw the end of plans up Blackwood for a tourist caravan site. All the rumours that were going round at the time were that it was for a gypsy caravan site. It seems some councillors have their own agendas for Rossendale. I think it's about time we in the valley pushed for an elected Mayor - someone who loves this valley and wants only the best for it. Preferably someone who isn't part of a political party. I really think it's the only way to save the valley's future. RossendaleKnight

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree