A BAND of rescued animals are still searching for a new home despite assurances that their carers from Flixton will be found a new piece of land.

Their current home at the Westfield Farm animal sanctuary in Ashton on Mersey is set to be sold to a neighbouring rugby club in July.

And a year long battle by owners Paul and Carole Pickford to save the farm has failed to find a solution as yet.

The sanctuary was first featured in The Messenger last June when the couple suspected that they were to be moved off the land.

Their fears were realised when they were served notice just weeks later and given a year to find a new home for the ponies, goats and pot-bellied pigs.

But Paul says that after an overwhelming response from readers, council chiefs assured them that they would find them another site.

He told SUM: "We have had great support from people all over the borough but still seem to be getting nowhere.

"The council told us that they would find us a suitable alternative so that the animals could be saved but each time we get in touch with them, we feel that we are being fobbed off."

Paul added that time is running out and the situation has already had an effect on wife Carole who dedicates all her spare time to the sanctuary.

He went on: "Carole has been really upset about the way things have panned out and has even had to give up her job as a lollipop lady because of the strain brought on by worry.

"We were offered one alternative in Stretford but the site was a mess and was not fit to be a home to the animals - we just want to know where we stand."

Paul concluded: "We are still fighting on and would love to hear from anyone who wants to offer their support.

"We can be contacted at home on 747-4614 or in writing to 19, Devon Road, Flixton, M41 6PN."

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