A WYE Valley cam­paign group has asked horse charity HAPPA to back up its claims that staff were intimidated.

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association closed its Gregory Farm rescue centre at Brockweir without warning just before Christmas – and claimed the move was necessary because of intimidation towards staff and concerns about the welfare of the animals.

The Save Gregory Farm Action Group has written to HAPPA with another series of questions about the situation and the future of the centre 'as we continue to have concerns about your (HAPPA's) reluctance to provide any information."

Ruth Sinfield, of the action group, said many people were "rather bemused at the accusations levied at the community especially as all we have been interested in is the welfare of the horses.

In an e-mail to HAPPA's chief officer Kay Brandist, Ms Sinfield said that the importance of the animals' welfare had been stated publicly – a reference to an open meeting at the Mackenzie Hall in Brockweir which campaigners say a HAPPA representative attended.

The e-mail continues: "We also publicly stated our admiration for the staff and the work they have done over many years.

"The premature closure of the Centre has also left the community reeling and even more worried about the way horses are being managed during this process."

As well as asking for specific information on intimidation of staff, the group has also asked whether any horses have been put to sleep as a result of the closure and what measures there are to compensate those who have made bequests and donations to Gregory Farm and those who have paid to adopt animals at the Brockweir centre.

HAPPA has said it will respond to questions after its board has met.

The action group was formed last month after a public meeting attended by about 50 people.

Many people were shocked about changes at the centre after a feature in the Review in September painted an optimistic picture.

Kay Brandist was quoted as saying: "We've got plans to improve the facilities we have at Gregory Farm."

Among the plans highlighted in the Review article were an indoor riding school and an isolation unit.