Christmas crisis for Pets' Corner

Dec 19 2008 by Edwin Lawrence

IT’S a new crisis at Christmas for more than 200 animals at Pets’ Corner in Ayr.

For Scrooge council chiefs won’t give up vital land at Belleisle.

And it’s a kick in the teeth for people who have worked all year to save the attraction.

Save Pets’ Corner volunteers will make an emergency statement today (Thursday).

And the South Ayrshire Council position may force them to pull the plug on their rescue campaign.

Spokesman Henry Pimentel explained: “Our rescue is based on a bigger and better Pets’ Corner, with an educational centre for children.

“But it appears we won’t be getting the land we need for this purpose.”

Mr Pimentel blasted: “Why didn’t they tell us six months ago?

“We’ve raised more than £35,000 in many fundraising ventures, with people giving up hours of their time.

“And we have pledges amounting to more than £160,000 ‘in kind’ from large and small firms in our community.”

Mr Pimentel said: “The bombshell news came when we presented our business plan and action plan for Pets’ Corner.

“The meeting was in an office at the air traffic control centre in Prestwick.

“Staff there are supporting us, and it was an impressive setting for Friends of Pets’ Corner to deliver what we think is an impressive business plan.”

Mr Pimentel revealed: “Imagine our shock when a council official got out his pencil, went to the plans, and announced ‘You can’t have that’.

“He drew a line right behind the Pets’ Corner aviary, where we hoped to have our educational centre.”

Straight-talking American businessman Mr Pimentel has made his home in South Ayrshire.

And he convinced Rotary Club colleagues – including South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Hugh Hunter – to back a rescue.

Mr Pimentel said: “People are now telling me that planners see Belleisle Park as prime land to build houses.

“Can they really do that? I hope it isn’t true. But I simply don’t know the legalities of the new situation.”

Graham Peterkin, South Ayrshire Council’s depute chief executive, made a statement to the Ayrshire Post on Tuesday.

He said: “The council has received a business plan from the Pets’ Corner group, and officers are currently completing their assessment of it.

“We remain committed to working in partnership with this group, and at this time the council has no other development proposals under consideration for Belleisle Estate.”