TWO goats threatened with eviction from an allotment in Bere Ferrers are to be allowed to stay.

The goats, named Shandy and Petal, looked set to get their marching orders when the parish council?s recreation committee last month decided they should go. The committee said only hens and rabbits should be allowed on the allotment.

But residents and members of the allotment association rallied to the support of allotment holder and former Desert Rat, Jim Ember, 79. A petition was started and letters were sent to the council opposing the eviction.

The matter came in for lengthy discussion at last week?s full parish council meeting. Cllr Brian Lamb said legal aspects had been examined and showed that the present owner of the goats had the legal right to keep them.

Cllr Lamb said Mr Ember had the full support of villagers and other allotment holders and that an RSPCAveterinary inspection confirmed the goats were in good condition and health.

?It is now down to ourselves. Do we want to make an issue about two goats which are not causing any issue, or allow the goats until the tenant vacates the tenancy?? said Cllr Lamb.

He added that if a decision went against keeping the goats, councillors would have to consider what action to take. The only way would be to terminate the tenant?s agreement, but that would mean it would be 18 months before they could be removed and the council would be liable for compensation.

Cllr Julie Slaughter said there was no problem for those overlooking the allotments or with rats, as some councillors had previously stated.

Chairman Cllr Eaon Wager said he had no problem with the vet?s report or state of health of the goats, but felt they were not ?in a natural environment for goats?.

By seven votes to six the council decided the goats should be allowed to stay as long as Mr Ember was fit and able to look after them, but that all other animals except poultry and rabbits would be refused.

Mr Ember said he was ?delighted? with the news. ?It is much less work to feed goats than cut brambles. Before I had them it was really overgrown, but now it is clear. It has saved me a lot of work.?

He said he was very grateful to everyone who had backed him. ?There have been quite a lot of people on my side.?