TALKS to save an alpaca attraction have started after it claimed it needed to pay over £250k to meet council demands.

Alpaca Meadows revealed with a "sad heart" that the site on The Rhydd will close on Saturday, June 15 after Malvern Hills District Council said it needed to install a new exit, entrance and EV charging points. 

Tricia Stapleton, owner, said adding the entrances and exits alone would cost the business £140k and the work for the new charging points could bring that figure to between £250k and £300k. 

However, the attraction could be saved if negotiations between Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire Highways and Travel, and Alpaca Meadows go well.

"At the moment, the council is flooded with people writing in (about Alpaca Meadows), and yesterday we received an email inviting us to a meeting along with planning and highways," said Ms Stapleton.  

"We are prepared to sit around the table."

Ms Stapleton bought the land in 2017 and has since built a popular attraction where visitors can walk with the animals.

The attraction has grown rapidly, with many people, including charities, using its services.

Ian Macleod, director of planning and infrastructure at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have been made aware that Alpaca Meadows and Café will cease commercial activities on June 15, 2024.

"We will be making contact with the business and we welcome further discussions with them and the Highways Department at Worcestershire County Council to explore the options available”.

The news of the closure had led visitors to set up a petition appealing for action, which has reached over 400 signatures. 

Jane Hudson, a regular visitor to the attraction, said: "I had a very challenging year following a cancer diagnosis, and Alpaca Meadows was a sanctuary.

"It’s so peaceful there, just sitting on the benches watching the llamas, goats, and donkeys.

"Then the added bonus is the great food at decent prices and, of course, the delicious hand-made cakes.

"Such a great place with nice people. So so sad."

Despite the talks with the council, Alpaca Meadows will still close on June 15 but could reopen at a later date.