Devastated staff members launch campaign to save 'much-loved' Somerset animal centre from closure

Devastated members of staff from an animal rescue centre in Somerset are trying to raise half a million pounds to save it from closure.

Heaven's Gate Farm near Langport is one of five centres run by the National Animal Welfare Trust, which isn't making enough money to make ends meet.

More than 30 staff members are facing redundancy and hundreds of animals are at risk of being left without the specialist care they need.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched in an attempt to raise half a million pounds. It has already secured more than seven thousand pounds.

This would keep the centre open for another six months so that the charity in charge can try to develop a rescue package.

A spokesperson from Heaven's Gate said the news has not only "devastated" employees and volunteers at the centre, but the many people from the local community who regularly visit.

Centre manager Caron Lane has thanked members of the public for their "unwavering support in these terribly upsetting times".

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The decision to close Heaven's Gate Farm was made by the charity because it's "facing a number of financial challenges".

A spokesperson from NAWT said it was struggling to keep up with the rising living wage and the difficulties of raising money in an "uncertain climate over Brexit."

The 31 employees of the centre now face a formal consultation process, where any proposals to save it will be considered by the charity.

The team at Heaven's Gate have cancelled their Family Fun Day on Sunday (8 September) because of the "difficult" circumstances.