Cash-strapped charity builds unit

Animals rescued by the charity range from small birds to badgers

A wildlife charity that was facing closure three months ago because of rising bills has raised enough cash to save the service and open a new centre.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) said it was opening a casualty unit in Hailsham.

It said money was raised through media appeals and volunteers' fund-raising.

But fund-raising is set to continue because the Horsebridge Critical Care Unit still needs several thousand pounds, spokesman Trevor Weeks said.

He said a wooden building had been constructed for the centre and a shower installed for washing oiled birds.

The new unit will have two casualty rooms where prey and predator can be kept separately Alec Anscombe

Lighting, plumbing and drainage have been completed and the charity has been given an air conditioning system.

"The new unit will have two casualty rooms where prey and predator can be kept separately to reduce stress," said unit manager Alec Anscombe.

He said the unit was in the grounds of the Horsebridge Veterinary Practice and the charity would have access to veterinary facilities.

Old cages and equipment are still being used while fund-raising continues, he added.

In May, the charity said it needed £15,000 for the unit, and was also facing a big increase in call-outs.

The aim of the WRAS is to reduce suffering and deals with a variety of animals from small birds to swans, mice and badgers.