Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary’s future ‘gloomy’

Easterleigh founder Mandy Leigh says the animal sanctuary faces a bleak future

The owners of Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary revealed in February the charity faced uncertainty after a row over the tenancy at its St Annes-based site.

Despite a huge fund-raising drive to generate cash to buy a new site, the centre is still £80,000 short of its target – and faces a final court hearing next month to decide its future of the land on which it currently stands.

Around 50 animals, including cats, dogs and horses, face having no home while 16 staff look set to lose their jobs if the centre closes.

The founder of the charity, Mandy Leigh, said she has been forced to put her home up for sale in a bid to generate cash to buy a new sanctuary – but estimates she is still £80,000 short of the amount she needs.

Mrs Leigh said she has been astonished by the response to the sanctuary’s plight – but revealed it now faces a “gloomy” future.

She added: “I do not know how long we have. It is very difficult. We want to stay in this area. There is nowhere else. It is looking gloomy.

“I can’t complain about the money we have received and want to thank everyone for their donations – but it could be four weeks before we are out of business.”

It is understood that the land where Easterleigh is based, off Queensway, was bought for a five-figure sum at Christmas.

Mrs Leigh said the new owner is refusing to come to terms on a lease agreement and has issued the sanctuary with a notice to quit – effectively terminating its tenancy.

She added the charity has even offered a five-figure sum to cover rent arrears to the landowner but no lease has been agreed. She said: “People have been wonderful – but unless something wonderful happens I can’t say for sure what will happen to us.”

If you would like to donate to Easterleigh go to www.justgiving.com/easterleighanimalsanctuary or call (01253) 595333.

Vodafone mobile phone owners can text EAST25 £10 to 70070 to give £10, while cheques can be made payable to Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary and sent to 30 Caxton Avenue, Blackpool, FY2 9AP.

The owner of the land where Easterleigh stands was unavailable for comment.