THE operators of a village horse sanctuary say lethal blades and spikes have been placed in the ground in an attempt to drive them off the site.

Gary and Lynne Walker, who run the Caring Hands horse rescue service in Brindle, claim they are victims of a long-running hate campaign aimed at scaring them away.

The tenants are waiting to discover if Chorley Borough Council's planning committee will renew permission for seven shelters on the 18 acres of land used by other animals, including lambs, pigs, cattle ducks and geese.

But the couple claim some objectors want them out so that it can be used for other purposes.

Gary, aged 34, said: "It was where the horses shelter, behind some bushes. You could see how the spike had been placed in the ground and the blade was put between two bricks with a hook on the other side to anchor it down."

Lynne, 41, added: "I rescue horses and put them out on loan. They won't let us put a stable block up yet are complaining there are ramshackle sheds there."

Joan Croasdale, chairman of Brindle Parish Council, said the Walkers had not complied with certain conditions attached to the original planning application, including outside storage, tidiness and screening.

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