A SOUTH Essex ferret rescue shelter is “praying for a miracle” as they prepare to wind up their operations and look for a new home for 200 animals.

Hockley Ferret Rescue, based in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, is making preparations to close.

It follows continual issues with relocation of the charity due to developer Kent Property Investments plans to build 16 homes at the Fairways Garden Centre.

While there was short-lived celebration after an announcement in December that the charity would be moving to land in Stow Maries.

But this has since collapsed as the charity was unable to secure planning permission for a new shelter for the 200 ferrets in their care.

It is claimed this was due to restrictions in the deed of the land they were offered, which prevented the usage of a concrete base needed to rebuild the shelter.

With four months to eviction, co-owner Jo Clark is now making preparations for the closure of the charity and the urgent rehoming and fostering of the animals currently in their care.

Ms Clark said: “It is heartbreaking. For 18 months, we have battled to try and save it and we don’t know what else we can do without a miracle.

“We were very excited about the move but it just hasn’t been possible. The only options left are for people to let us rent land as a charity or a Gofundme to raise money to buy it, but realistically it would cost £2,000 and being such a small charity, we can’t raise that much.

“I am at a loss as to where we turn. If someone does say we can rent, we don’t want one year and for them to ask for the land back. It has to be a solid deal.

“This will have been the third time I have built the rescue. I am 53 now and I don’t think I can do it.”

Ms Clark added that: “We are now a charity, we have charity status and we do a lot for special needs students. It’s not just the ferrets, it is a lot to lose for the community.”