I have set up this petition to show the council how much our community love & value Hill Farm. Please read the update below and show your support for Alan & Ruth by signing. Let's hope all our children are able to continue enjoying this magical and unique place.

Many thanks,

Dawn Turner

HILL FARM - FEBRUARY 2017 - UPDATE

As some of you know Hill Farm opened to visitors about three years ago after my retirement. My partner Ruth and myself decided as we had a number of people who had asked to see the wallabies and emus that it would be nice to open in the summer months,
officially, so to speak.

We have never sought to make it commercial but just somewhere for local people to pop in to meet our unusual pets.

It all began when Ruth decided to get some chickens and came back with three emus! She explained that they looked sad in their little cage.

Anyway to cut a long story short, we did eventually get the chickens and then of course alpacas to look after them, apparently they are good at keeping the foxes away. This was followed by goats from my kids for my birthday and wallabies to keep the emus company.

We decided that as our menagerie was giving pleasure to people we would like to invite the less abled to visit. Although to do this a disabled wet room and toilets would be required, so we built these in a shed in our garden.

Now just to make it clear, we are not a commercial set -up because as I say, I’ve retired, so the savings we have put into the facilities will never be or were intended to be re-cooped.

Unfortunately, the council doesn't want us to continue due to a complaint by a couple of individuals, who want to build a house in their garden nearby. It doesn’t even over look our land. We believe they did this to take peoples attention off themselves regarding the planning permission they were seeking. Incidentally within a couple of weeks of moving in they decided they didn't like living in the countryside and now live in one of the other homes.

Once on the council radar a visit was made within 24hrs. Not one member of the council but three, firstly they said I needed a zoo license (we are definitely not a zoo), more washing facilities despite those already built, (yes those they now want to close) I know it gets confusing. To dismantle the garden swings (suggested these were a permanent structure) so I hope you haven’t got any at home. Last but not least a specially constructed zip wire with a wheelchair ramp for the disabled.

When one of the councils representatives was leaving he mentioned he would like to return the next day. I said it would not be possible as I was taking our tame wallaby Maybee to visit a local hospice, which we are always happy to do when requested. His reply was, “well I hope you have got a performing animals license” (you couldn't make this stuff up)!

In my naivety I did not get planning for these disabled facilities as I did not know they needed it plus considering their intended purpose I never dreamt it would be an issue.

So we have decided to ask you the public if it is worth us contesting this action because as I say there is no money in it for us to stay open but had thought it would be a nice thing to do for local communities. We are not asking for financial support but just want to know if you have any reason for us not to continue. We would appreciate any comments you may wish to make.

If you would like more information regarding the above then please feel free to telephone 01371 811164,
e-mail; rfo@btinternet.com or better still pop round for a chat.

Many thanks

Alan and Ruth