AN ANIMAL charity set up in 1960 is at risk of shutting down.

Sussex Horse Rescue Trust, which is based at Hempstead Farm in Uckfield, may have to close following financial difficulties.

Founder Pauline Grant was surprised to receive a letter from the trustees’ legal representatives which said they wish to take possession of the property.

The Trust is the freehold owner of Hempstead Farmhouse, and the letter ordered Ms Grant to vacate the property by December 10.

Linda McDonnell, 57, is a campaigner for the trust who used to live on the site with her daughter, and fears the trustees could sell the house and land.

Ms McDonnell, who lives in Burgess Hill, wants to help secure the future of the charity.

She said: “I have recently got back involved with the trust to help Pauline because of what’s happening. Pauline has tried to speak to the trustees.

“She’s 83 years old.

“The poor lady is so upset and is getting very stressed.

“People want it saved.”

Sussex Horse Rescue Trust is a registered equine welfare charity which cares for and rehomes abused, abandoned and neglected horses.

Ms McDonnell said she fears the charity may have to shut down due to financial difficulties.

She and her daughter Ella have set up a Facebook page to campaign for the charity’s survival called Saving Sussex Horse Rescue Trust, and Ms McDonnell said the page has received an “extremely strong response” from the public and supporters.

She said: “We’ve had people left right and centre offer to be trustees, and I’ve got people willing to volunteer.

“We are offering to go in and turn it back around.

“But we do not know what the trust board’s plans are with the horses.”

A statement from the Sussex Horse Rescue Trust’s board of trustees said: “We are aware that there is speculation that Sussex Horse Rescue Trust is to close.

“The Trustees of Sussex Horse Rescue Trust are currently in consultation with our staff about the best way forward, and we would ask for respect whilst we are in discussion with those people who would be directly affected.

“Any potential closure would also require the rehoming of our resident horses and donkeys and so all the implications of this are being carefully considered.

“We will issue a further update as soon as we are able, and we wish to make it clear that the only official statements will come from the Board of Trustees via official outlets; there is no other spokesperson(s) for the charity.”