A HORSE rescue charity on the outskirts of Burnley has announced the closure of its centre near Chepstow, south Wales.

HAPPA (the Horses and Ponies Protection Association), in Briercliffe, has closed Gregory Farm Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, based in Brockweir.

Chairman Ken Cranage said: “I realise that this news may be surprising to many and, on the surface, appear fairly shocking, but as a charity we are committed to supporting the key areas of our equine welfare work which focus on rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, and education, and we believe this can be best achieved by consolidating our work, and investing in our busiest area, which is the north of England.

“Much has changed since Miss Yvonne Gregory kindly gifted the farm to HAPPA over 25 years ago, and although her generosity has helped us care for a large number of animals over the years, her surviving relatives understand the need for change and fully support our intentions to close the centre and further improve facilities at our northern site.”

Eight full-time staff, four part-time and a number of casual staff have been made redundant following the closure.

Supporters who have adopted horses at Gregory Fold are being offered a full refund. For details, call Julie Rickwood-Gan on 01282 455992.