A HORSE sanctuary in the Wye Valley closed without warning amid extraordinary claims by a charity boss.

The HAPPA (Horse and Pony Protection Association) rescue centre at Gregory Farm, Brockweir was closed last Friday as an "emergency temporary" measure.

Earlier in the week, a campaign group was formed to seek assurances about the centre's future.

In a statement released by the charity, chairman Mr Ken Cranage said the closure was "to protect staff living and working on site and to ensure that there is no risk to equine welfare by misguided supporters.

"Our staff are being publically, and at times quite personally castigated for doing their job as instructed by the Board but recent abusive behaviour towards local management is now putting unacceptable pressure on staff members and highlights potential risks to the horses remaining on site. We have a duty of care to our staff and our animals and as a result now feel that we have no option other than the temporary closure of Gregory Farm as an emergency measure".

When the Review contacted HAPPA's Burnley headquarters, a spokeswoman refused to offer any evidence or explanation for the remarks.

The first campaigners knew of the allegations was when the Review contacted the group.

A campaigner, who does not want to be named said: "That is outrageous. It's defamatory.

"The people who attended the meeting have been supporters of HAPPA for many years and our aim is to keep Gregory Farm open.

"To suggest that any of us would do anything to harm staff or the animals is simply untrue and deeply hurtful."

There had been a steady trickle of the 38 horses homed at Brockweir being transferred to HAPPA's Shores Hey base.

All equines, as the charity calls them, have now been moved to Lancashire.

The charity says it is "currently considering" it's future at Brockweir "although no decision has yet been made."

HAPPA says no decision will be made until an internal consultation process is complete.

Mr Cranage said the HAPPA board had to consider the sustainability of the charity.

The former mounted police officer added: "Sometimes this means making minor adjustments to operations and sometimes this means considering more radical changes.

"We are currently reviewing our position at Gregory Farm but until further staff consultations have taken place no decision can be made as to how we will eventually proceed."

A campaign group – Save Gregory Farm Action Group – was formed following a public meeting at the Mackenzie Hall in Brockweir last week.

A letter has been sent to HAPPA's trustees asking what the intions are for the future of Gregory Farm.

A Freedom of Information request has been made about HAPPA's ability to transfer ownership, details of discussions over the last two years relating to the future of Gregory Farm and of any current proposals for the Brockweir centre.