A FOUR-WEEK closure order on a Bacup petting farm has been extended.

Rossendale Council secured the 28-day order against Animal Quackers, based at Huttock Top Farm, at the end of June.

Reedley magistrates extended the closure order for a further 14 days, at the request of the council.

Owner Terry Bork admitted to the court that he had not implemented all of the improvements asked for by the environmental health team and the Health Protection Agency.

The council said that the petting farm still presented an increased risk of E-Coli to the public.

Stuart Sugarman, director of business at Rossendale Council, said: “The council has a duty to protect members of the public.

“The actions required to reduce the risk of E-Coli at the farm were basic, remedial measures which could have been completed within the original 28-day closure period.

“The closure of the farm is wholly the responsibility of Mr Bork and the directors of Animal Quackers who need to use these 14 days to complete the necessary works so they can open.”