Published: Wednesday, 5th August, 2009 5:11pm

CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SHAMED 'RIDING SCHOOL'

by Angela Murphy

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A DISGRACED Erskine riding school is once again at the centre of controversy.

Woodside Riding Centre had its lease and licence revoked by Renfrewshire Council amid a string of animal neglect and malpractice claims.

However its owners have refused to budge, causing local animal lovers to grow increasingly concerned.

An Erskine man who asked to be named, blasted: "The field where the horses are covered in ragwort. It looks like nice yellow flowers, but in fact it's poisonous to horses. And what would happen if a kid picks a bit of it up?

"They should be off the land as soon as possible - they've brought nothing but misery to animal lovers in Erskine.

"Even if a new owner comes in, it would take about a year to clear the ground of the stuff. There is no water in the fields either."

Another source captured an image of a horse cowering under a dilapidated shelter within the grounds.

He said: "Looking at it you will appreciate that if such a structure were within public reach it would be fenced off and declared a dangerous structure. Although the animals have decent looking accommodation to the front of the premises, they make use of the access to this building to the rear when roaming free on the fields.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "Woodside/KL Liveries no longer has a valid licence to operate a riding school or a valid lease for this premises.

"The Council are taking the appropriate steps to address the situation and we will continue to respond to any complaints regarding the premises."

The SSPCA confirmed they are aware of the complaints.