RE the imminent closure of the RSPCA Centre on Division Lane, Blackpool, the salient facts seem to suggest that the trustees of the centre are faced with Hobson's Choice. Either the centre continues to run at a projected loss, thus entailing liability, or the centre is closed and resources are channelled elsewhere for the benefit of animals.

It must be remembered that the Blackpool branch of the RSPCA merged last year with Morecambe. From what has not been denied, Division Lane's financial plight would presumably be eased by this arrangement on what is now the misplaced understanding that subsidy from the wealthier Morecambe branch was a better option than the closure of Division Lane.

However, far from caring and protecting animals which is the principal duty of the RSPCA, the trustees of Division Lane hide behind the lesser duty of kindness to creditors. The RSPCA's central fund, if not Morecambe's coffers, should be prepared to finance any deficit to such centres which are providing front line care for animals.

The option which has been spouted from Division Lane is that animals can be fostered out. If that is so, then why does the RSPCA operate rescue centres in the first place?

I use the words "would be prepared" because it is the donations of the general public and the dedication of staff/volunteers in pursuit of the welfare of animals which makes the RSPCA such a worthy cause.

Hiding behind false promises, misleading apprehensions or pleading poverty while jingling a collection box at the same time, sums up the management of Division Lane.

Stephen Moore,

Henson Avenue,

Blackpool.