Farm in line for compensation

9:23am Tuesday 28th August 2001

A BIGGIN Hill animal sanctuary is to be considered for foot-and-mouth compensation.

Foal Farm trustees have written to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) asking to be compensated for money it lost during an 11-week enforced closure.

Trustees are currently preparing detailed financial information so that DEFRA can consider whether they are eligible for a payout.

The farm's general manager Sarah Hollingsworth said money from a claim would help the situation, but the Jail Lane farm, which saw a 70 per cent drop in income, would still be heavily dependent on the support of donors and volunteers.

Many volunteers had not returned and staff remain on standby in case the disease begins to spread again.

She added: “Most of the new cases aren't in this area of the country, but then you can be in Japan in a day.

“And the disease thrives in wet autumn and winter weather. I keep one eye firmly on the news every day.”

Anyone who wants to help Foal Farm can take part in a sponsored dog walk on September 8. For more information call 01959 572386 or call in at the sanctuary.