A struggling horse sanctuary says it relies on staff working excessive hours to survive financially - and the council has refused to help.
Essex Horse and Pony Society, in Pitsea, needs a minimum of £25,000 a week for running costs with vet bills and machinery repairs.
Troubled times - the horse sanctuary's Cheryl-Anne Brassett with Solomon Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
The sanctuary has tried on various occasions to get a ten-year lease so it could apply to the Government for funding - but it has been turned down every time by Basildon Council.
Secretary Sue Allery said: "We get no help at all. We have to fundraise to survive."
A Basildon Council spokesman said: "We would be pleased to discuss the matter with the sanctuary."
Published Friday, June 6, 2003
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