Horse charity may have to close to the public.

HorseWorld has announced it may have to close its popular visitors centre after a planning application was turned down. The move could result in the loss of 28 jobs.

The charity which is based in Whitchurch near Bristol says closure of the site is one option its considering as part of urgent cost-cutting measures. It had wanted to build a new, £7million visitors centre which, it argued, would help increase visitor numbers and revenue. But, in November, Bath and North East Somerset Council rejected the planning application. Since the decision, more than 1,300 people have signed a petition in support of the proposals.

The attraction has been losing money over the past few years, blaming plummeting donations and a sharp rise in the number of horses needed rescued.

Charity trustees say keeping the existing visitors centre open isn't financially viable

The charity is now carrying out a consultation process but 28 people have been told their jobs are at risk. If the visitor centre is closed the animals kept there would be moved to HorseWorld’s existing welfare yard.