A Suffolk charity helping abandoned animals has been given a temporary reprieve in its desperate search for a new home.

East Anglian Daily Times: The charity has been asked to leave its former home in Hadleigh and is desperately seeking new premises Picture: GREGG BROWNThe charity has been asked to leave its former home in Hadleigh and is desperately seeking new premises Picture: GREGG BROWN

French’s Care Haven has been seeking a new site since being told earlier this year that it must leave its previous base in Hadleigh.

Founder Jann Turner has spent months approaching Suffolk landowners hoping for a suitable space to take her menagerie of horses, donkeys ponies and other animals in need – but to no avail.

In recent days, two kind-hearted supporters have come forward with a temporary solution, offering the animals a space to stay in Felixstowe and Tuddenham – though not for long.

The Tuddenham site has stables but is not available on a permanent basis. And the field in Felixstowe, owned by competitive show jumper Heather Stennett, is being sold for development.

East Anglian Daily Times: The charity looks after abandoned and neglected animals Picture: FRENCH'S CARE HAVENThe charity looks after abandoned and neglected animals Picture: FRENCH'S CARE HAVEN (Image: French's Care Haven)

While Ms Turner is grateful for the kind offers and professional support the animals are receiving, she remains fearful for the future of her beloved animals, many of whom are old and difficult to rehome.

“None of this is ideal, but it offers some respite for now,” she said. “I can’t seem to find anywhere on a permanent basis and I’m starting to despair.

“I’ve tried every angle but nothing is available.”

Ms Turner is looking to rent around 10 acres of fields complete, ideally with barns and outbuildings.

East Anglian Daily Times: Coco is being kept at a temporary new site in Felixstowe Picture: FRENCH'S CARE HAVENCoco is being kept at a temporary new site in Felixstowe Picture: FRENCH'S CARE HAVEN (Image: FRENCH'S CARE HAVEN)

“I’m not looking for a full equestrian centre,” she added.

“And I’m not expecting be given it for free - we can pay rent.”

Ms Turner spent 11 years transforming the previous site into a working farm with kitchen facilities, disabled toilet and a teaching room.

During that time, she has grown the organisation to work with Suffolk councils and charities, including Community Action Suffolk. Talent Match, Lapwing, Wot’s Up, Leading Lives and Bramacare, to give young people a chance to work with rescued animals as a form of therapy.

For the time being much of that work remains on hold, as the contents of the farm is relocated to temporary premises.

Ms Turner has thanked Lawes Brothers Removals from Leigh on Sea for its help moving five lorry loads of equipment.

If you know of someone who has land to lease the charity email Jann.Turner@hotmail.co.uk or call 07747 755556.