WOTTON Town Council has said it will not discuss the incident involving Wotton Animal Rescue Centre and owner Veronica Bruce because licensing for charity collections is not within their remit.

At Monday's meeting John Dooley asked: "I wondered what Wotton Town Council's position was on Wotton Animal Rescue. Over Christmas, Veronica probably collects once or twice. She had a major loss of income and I think it is very sad."

Chairman Cllr Chris Galbraith said: "We have taken advice on the situation and we won't discuss it. The matters in question are licensing. Licensing is the responsibility of Stroud District Council - we have no powers in that field at all."

Ms Bruce shut the centre suddenly after a complaint about charity collectors apparently making it difficult for customers to get into the Co-op store in Long Streety.

Cllr Galbraith added:"As far as I know that person was not acting on behalf of the council. I suspect she was acting on a personal level.

"We did consult the licensing office at Stroud District Council because it is a legitimate concern of a district councillor."

Cllr June Cordwell told members of the incident but added: "I hope that this doesn't end up in the Gazette."

Several residents wrote to the council over the incident. Clerk Glenys Sykes said they would be sent a reply saying the situation was not a council matter.