A MUCH-loved animal sanctuary has been saved thanks to welcoming villagers.

The people of Eton Wick have voted overwhelmingly to welcome the currently Dorney-based Animal Sanctuary on to Royal Borough-owned land at Bell Farm Stables.

The Royal Borough circulated forms to everyone in the village to check that the sanctuary would be welcome after concern was expressed at a public meeting about possible parking and traffic problems.

Out of 373 forms returned, 276 favoured letting the sanctuary in.

Cllr Samantha Rayner, who represents the village on the Royal Borough, said: “We welcome the sanctuary, which already works with Royal Borough services. I know the village and the charity will both benefit from their new home in Eton Wick.”

She also plans to donate £375, half of her annual member’s allowance, to the sanctuary.

While Bell Farm Stables was originally open to all bidders at a market rate, following the residents’ thumbs up the council has taken the decision to offer a peppercorn rent to the sanctuary of £1 a year.

Cllr Simon Dudley, deputy leader of the Royal Borough, said: “The sanctuary carries out a lot of good work with local schools, our children’s services and our adult services – including learning-disabled adults who volunteer there.”

Sara Ross, co-founder of the Animal Sanctuary which is currently based at Lake End Road, Dorney, said: “We needed to find a new home as our current site is under compulsory purchase for widening of the M4.

“We are grateful to the residents of Eton Wick for their welcoming vote. At the public meeting we did reassure them that traffic and parking should rarely be an issue, as we only have one open day per year.

“However, we will continue to work with the council on a traffic management plan to further minimise any impact.

“Words cannot express our gratitude to the Royal Borough for their support and reduction in rent. We are looking forward to working both with them and the residents of Eton Wick to continue to make the sanctuary something we can all be proud of.”