THE trustees of a Gwent animal sanctuary are offering a "substantial" amount of money to its founder and former manager in a bid to get her to leave the site.

Viv Harris, former manager of All Creatures Great and Small, in Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran, vowed to stay in the house in the sanctuary grounds.

But Gwen Greenhalgh, a trustee, warned that if Ms Harris stayed in the property staff would not be able to provide 24-hour emergency cover for the animals.

She said: "We have repeatedly written to her through the solicitor, asking her intentions and whether she wanted her money to be repaid, as she had always maintained that she wanted it to be given to the animals.

"We understand that her circumstances have now changed and we are prepared to pay all monies that are outstanding to her."

Mrs Greenhalgh refused to say how much money would be offered, but said it was a "substantial amount".

But Ms Harris said she is staying put until she is given a firm offer.

She said: "This is the first I have heard of it. They should be coming to me first instead of releasing a statement. I will just wait for their offer."

The money Ms Harris is owed comes from the sale of the property which was bought from her in 2002 by the charity and put into charity funds as a loan.

Ms Harris said she no longer wanted to be associated with the sanctuary after quitting in October.

She said: "I don't like the way the sanctuary is being run.

'It was really distressing when they decided to get rid of the wild animals. To be quite honest I am ashamed to be associated with All Creatures."

Mrs Greenhalgh said the sanctuary was still dedicated to caring for abandoned and neglected animals.

She said: "Every animal will receive any medical care required, and if it is unable to be homed it will remain at the sanctuary for the rest of its life. We will, however, endeavour to re-home wildlife in a more appropriate environment, such as specialised sanctuaries."