A PETITION against homes on land used by Hopefield Animal Sanctuary has had an incredible response, with more than 100,000 signatures of support.

The land in Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, has been put forward as a potential plot for new homes in the borough, as part of a plan which identifies possible areas for housing and recreational development.

Supporters of the sanctuary have called for the land to be re-allocated and an online petition, which was signed by just 7,000 people last week, had gathered a stunning 106,000 signatures by yesterday evening.

The leader of Brentwood Council councillor, Barry Aspinell, has now suggested that he would like to see the sanctuary expanded into an attraction to help secure its future. He said: “We could have it as an attraction, perhaps with exhibition areas, somewhere school children could visit, and a visitors’ centre.

“It would help secure Hopefield and help it in paying back any money needed to buy the land.

“I think it could be an attraction and asset for our town.”