Petition launched to save popular North Tyneside farm
The petition to save Rising Sun Farm in Wallsend has reached 5700 signatures
A petition to save a popular North Tyneside farm and community centre has reached over 5 and a half thousand signatures.
There's concerns the Rising Sun Farm in Wallsend will be forced to close, as the company associated with the charitable organisation, The Rising Sun Farm Trading Company, has filed for bankruptcy and according to Companies House is in liquidation.
Over 5,700 people have signed a petition to protect the future of the Rising Sun Farm in Wallsend.
A company associated with the charitable organisation, The Rising Sun Farm Trading Company, has filed for bankruptcy and according to Companies House is in liquidation. The charity remains active.
The petition asks North Tyneside Council to consider transferring the running of the charity to the Rising Sun Farm Association. Whilst the council is not directly involved in the running of the farm it owns the grounds.
The petition reads: “To petition North Tyneside Council to support The Rising Sun Community Farm Association in it’s bid to take over the Rising Sun Farm and manage it for the benefit of the community”.
The author of the petition, who has had horses at the farm for 28 years, Vivien Fenn Webber, said: “It is a vital facility for the community. I have been bowled over by the number of people who have signed the petition and who have offered amazing help.
“Even professional help from joiners and bricklayers, fundraisers, there has been an incredible amount of support.”
Vivien also discussed her vision for the future of the farm if its management of it was transferred to the Association. “I want to see it as a place where people can bring their children to learn about animals”, she explained.
“I want to see school trips of children come and learn about farming. I want to see businesses that are aligned with the farm and the country things.
“Building wooden garden furniture for instance or beekeepers.”
North Tyneside Council would not comment on a live petition. However, Mark Longstaff, director of commissioning and asset management at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are aware that the Rising Sun Farm Trading company has filed for insolvency.
“We are continuing to work with both the current and former Board of Trustees to ensure the successful continuation of the lease of the council land, which has an agreement until 2034.
“We would like to provide reassurance that all animals that remain on the farm are being cared for, and our Animal Welfare team is closely monitoring the situation.
“The Rising Sun Farm is an important community asset and provides unique services to our residents, including a popular day-care service, we will continue to work with the Board of Trustees to ensure any new agreements bring the full scope of these services back into use.”