Public to have their say on Blue Cross closure

It is hoped a representative from the charity will be there to answer questions and hear residents' views on the proposal.

The meeting takes place at the village hall on Tuesday from 4.30pm – 6.30pm.

Village correspondent Karen Ayling said: "People are saddened by the prospect of losing an active, much loved institution right in the heart of the village as well as being very worried about the prospect of land, which we had always believed to be covenanted to be used solely for animal welfare, being sold off to build yet more characterless executive homes."

The Blue Cross say they want to close the 38 acre site at St Francis Field to focus on areas of the country where there is greater need for their services.

But sceptics say the nearest equivalent centre is mor than 100 miles away in Southampton and that there is a great need in this area.

The Blue Cross have said there is no substance to rumours that they plan to sell off the site to housing development.

Spokesperson Laura Dobson said: "I can say that we have not spoken to developers and have no pre-determined plans.

"We are very much at a consultation phase and want to consider all views before a decision is made.

Staff members and volunteers from the centre have leafleted residents asking them to support a bid to keep it open and more than 800 people have already signed up to a Facebook site online called Keep the Northiam Blue Cross Open.

The Facebook site claims that a final decision will be made by March 5 and the centre could be closed by July this year.