Animal Quackers in Bacup, East Lancashire has been closed down by Rossendale Council over claims of an E.coli risk.

However Terry Bork, who runs the venture, insists he is being victimised and is fighting to reopen the farm to visitors early next week. Council bosses are adamant they were left with no choice after repeated failures to comply with health and safety advice over a 6-month period.

Mr Bork claims: “Ninety per cent of the work has been done we are just waiting for paint to dry now. It’s about putting washing stations in and making sure the walkways have straw and putting a fence around the mucking area.”

Rebecca Lawlor, the council’s health and housing manager, said: “The council has been working very hard to persuade the operators of the business and owners of the premises to make the necessary improvements to Animal Quackers to make it a safe environment for visitors.

“We have given them more than enough opportunity to undertake the work. In its current state, the farm poses a significant risk to public health and puts visitors at risk of contracting illnesses which can have a long-term effect upon the health of people such as E.coli and potential kidney failure.”