King Charles backs horse-loving girl fighting closure of Jarrow stables - and Princess Anne may be next!
A royal seal of approval has been given to a campaigning schoolgirl fighting plans to close stables in South Tyneside.
A horse-loving schoolgirl has touched the heart of a king - with her plea for him to help save a South Tyneside livery yard from feared closure.
Scarlett Milner, 12, went right to the top by writing to nature-loving King Charles to ask him to intervene around under-threat West Fellgate Farm.
The youngster and environmental campaigners say the facility is likely to be bulldozed if plans to build housing on land where it stands at Fellgate, Jarrow, are approved.
She is one of dozens of riders who stable their horses at the centre and use its facilities, which include the only indoor show arena for miles around.
In her letter, posted to Buckingham Palace in March, Scarlett asked the King to bear influence on Durham Cathedral.
It owns part of the farm’s land, and she hoped he could help sway its position, due to him being head of the Church of England.
The King has now replied, offering his “warmest good wishes”, via his correspondence office, and praised Scarlett for her efforts.
Although admitting he cannot help in the way she wanted, he revealed he is “especially heartened” by her passion to safeguard the environment.
In the letter, James Dawson, Head of Royal Correspondence, said: ‘The King has asked me to thank you for your most thoughtful message.
‘It was so kind of you to take the trouble to write to His Majesty with your concerns for the environment.
‘The King, who has been working on projects to protect and restore our natural world for over fifty years, was immensely touched to learn that you too care deeply about this important issue and, although sadly unable to help in the way that you ask, I can tell you that His Majesty was especially heartened by your passion for safeguarding wildlife habitats.
‘Thank you, once again, for sending your message to The King, who has asked me to pass on his warmest good wishes.’
In response, Scarlett, who lives in Gateshead, less than a mile from the stables, said: “I was surprised but happy to get a reply from the King, I wasn’t expecting it.
“But at the same time, I was a bit disappointed that he couldn't help. I do understand his position but had hoped that he could do something.
“I’m now thinking about writing to his sister, Princess Anne, as I know she likes horses.”
Under South Tyneside Council’s Local Plan, its blueprint for housing and development to the year 2040, at least 1,200 homes could be built on green belt which surrounds the farm and includes it.
The plan is being scrutinised by a government inspector after twice being rejected by councillors, and the outcome of a public inquiry is awaited.
Scarlett’s mum, Natalie, 46, a self-employed eyelash technician, said: “I’m very proud of Scarlett for having the initiative to write to the King.
“It was always a longshot that he would intervene but at least she asked and has stood up for what she believes in.
“Many people don’t want the farm to be lost, and we will keep doing all we can to ensure it remains as it is.”
Durham Cathedral has previously confirmed it and its partners are pursuing options, including sale of land through engaging with the Local Plan process, to secure the cathedral’s future.