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Little Clacton: Petition starts to save sanctuary

From the archive, first published Thursday 21st Feb 2008.

A HEARTBROKEN volunteer vows to do everything she can to save an animal shelter from closure.

Environmental health officers have served a noise abatement notice on Clacton Animal Aid after complaints its dogs bark too much.

Fundraiser Anne Wilson, who has supported the shelter for ten years, said people were furious it was under threat.

She has organised a petition backing the charity and hopes to get around 1,000 signatures.

Mrs Wilson, 69, of Shelley Road, Clacton, said: "I've had so many people ringing me up to say they're upset and flabbergasted.

"It's just such a shame - everybody's heartbroken.

"They do such a wonderful job up there and are completely devoted to their work.

"I've never known a complaint the whole time I've been supporting the charity.

Mrs Wilson used to run an Animal Aid shop in Finchley, London, and got involved with the cause in Clacton when she moved to the town.

She said the sanctuary, based in The Street, Little Clacton, was often full up with unwanted cats and dogs.

"It's a local charity which is very well run and extremely popular with local people.

"I've had kittens that have been brought to my door but the sanctuary hasn't been able to take them because it's full to bursting."

Ann and Reg Simms, who run Clacton Animal Aid, said it was an "impossible" situation because they cannot prevent dogs barking.

They have stopped taking new dogs until the problem is resolved.

Tendring Council said it would work with them to find the best solution.