Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary's joy over council court battle win

Claire Harrison

21 May 2024 at 11:38 am·2-min read

Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating a huge victory after winning its court battle with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. Last year the borough council issued the Oaston Road-based animal haven with an abatement notice in relation to an animal odour complaint

But Geoff Grewcock, who runs the sanctuary, mounted a legal battle against the Town Hall and earlier today (May 21) a judge at Birmingham Magistrates Court threw out the council notice. Jubilant Geoff told Coventry Live: "We can't believe it, we are so relieved.

"This has been three years of hell, it has made me ill. The council has treated us like criminals, like something you would just put your foot on. But we have won."

He said that they would not have been able to mount the legal action, which has cost a huge £30,000, without the support of local people. "We could not have done it without them, all of the people from Nuneaton and across the area who have supported us, we can't thank them enough," he said.

But Mr Grewcock, who has run the sanctuary for decades, said that they will look to work with the council in the future.

CoventryLive has contacted the council about the court ruling. At the time of publication, the Town Hall said it was unavailable for comment.

In June 2022, it said it had acted following a complaint made about the sanctuary. Councillor Julian Gutteridge, cabinet for health and environment, said in a statement at the time: "The borough council has a duty to assess and identify statutory nuisances within the borough and take appropriate action under the relevant legislation.

"In this case officers felt that a statutory nuisance was occurring and were obliged to serve the abatement notice. Statutory action like this is always a last resort, but we are always ready to work with the parties involved to find the best outcome we can for local residents."

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