The mayor has defended Ledbury Town Council accepting a donation from a company that tests on animals.

The council received donations from five Ledbury companies to help buy Christmas presents for children whose families are struggling with the cost of living.

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But there has been a backlash after it was revealed that one of the businesses was Sequani, a research lab based in Bromyard Road.

The company is known to test on lab animals and is often the subject of protests by animal rights campaigners.

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A spokesperson for Ledbury Town Council confirmed they had received “a number of enquiries” about the donation from Sequani, which was one of five firms to donate a total of £1,400.

They said: “In October the mayor, on behalf of Ledbury Town Council, signed a letter to be sent to all larger businesses local to Ledbury, which included Sequani, without being selective or discriminatory and irrespective of their business.”

'Sequani was keen to support this worthwhile cause'

The letter, the spokesperson said, was “asking them to support this very worthwhile project to purchase gifts for children from struggling families, to help ensure that these families can enjoy Christmas as other more affluent families are able to do.

“Sequani along with other local companies were keen to support this worthwhile cause.”

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Mayor Phillip Howells, said: “We understand the passions felt by many on animals being used for product testing, but whether or not councillors share those concerns, as a public and responsible body we accept that companies acting legally are equally important in their contributions to the local economy and in providing jobs.

“We invited all the larger businesses to support our aim to help Ledbury’s struggling families this winter, and especially in helping to ensure their children enjoyed a proper Christmas.

“We are grateful to all those companies who generously responded to our appeal for financial support for our vulnerable residents, without exception.”

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