December 19, 2019 12.24 pm This story is over 59 months old

Desperate plea for emergency building from flood-hit Lincoln horse charity

‘This is an emergency’
Bransby Horses' site was flooded earlier this year. Photo: Bransby Horses

A local equine welfare charity hit by devastating flooding earlier this year has put in an emergency application to create temporary facilities in Langworth.

Bransby Horses, near Lincoln, is hoping West Lindsey District Council makes a quick turn around on its application for land south-west of Barlings Lane, in Langworth, to build new animal welfare facilities.

The new build would include extra staff facilities, areas to treat horses and better stabling in order for the charity to house 80 of its 450 current horses for around 12 months.

“[WLDC] have to go through their process but because this is an emergency we can’t accommodate the horses here,” said Sally Crawford, director of engagement and income.”

The flooding has had a devastating impact. Photo: Bransby Horses

Horses are currently using fields which have not been “rested” properly, while the charity’s rehoming programme is encouraging horse-owners and some of its 500 foster homes to try to hold off bringing some of the animals back to the centre until the issues are sorted.

“There’s a small amount of infrastructure up there so we’re managing, but the fact is this has been an emergency that has dropped on us. We had to make a decision. If we didn’t it will impact on the health and wellbeing of the other horses here.

“As an equine welfare charity first and foremost we need to make sure our animals are cared for.”

The charity has launched an Emergency Flood Crisis Campaign to support its work and has so far raised £34,500 of its £200,000 target.

“We’re on the right track and supporters have been incredibly generous, especially for this time of the year,” said Sally.

She thanked all those who had supported the charity, including neighbours in Langworth.

The charity’s marketing team has also released a five-minute mini-film taking inspiration from Bagpuss.

More than 40% of the centre’s current facilities were hit by the floods, which have damaged the roots and grass and polluted the ground with waste, including human excrement.

The charity said it will take a year to fix the issue – with the true amount of damage not expected to be revealed until Spring.

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