East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) was on the verge of having to close just over two months ago with huge vets bills.

With the support of local media, and fundraising efforts from WRAS volunteers, the charity has managed to raise enough money to get the Horsebridge critical care unit off the ground in order to help reduce veterinary costs and improve the care the group is able to give wildlife casualties in the area.

WRAS is now in need of volunteers to help out with the unit and will be recruiting volunteers to help with the feeding, cleaning, monitoring and care of casualties which will start using the unit within the next couple of months.

"I have been amazed at the response from members of the public in helping to support our charity and help us get this unit of the ground," said Trevor Weeks.

"The wooden building is up and we have now installed the shower for washing oiled swans and water fowl, and cupboards for cleaning and storage. The lighting, plumbing and drainage have all been installed, plus we have had a air conditioning system donated free of charge by Bruce Cecil from Aspen Air Conditioning in Hailsham.

"This is great news for WRAS and for the casualties, as it will provide a less stressful environment than being in a cage within the vets where the noise of dogs, cats and humans will cause stress to wildlife casualties.

"The new unit will have two casualty rooms where prey and predator can be kept separately to reduce stress."

WRAS's unit manager Alec Anscombe said, "As the unit is within the grounds of Horsebridge Veterinary Practice, we will have access to all the veterinary facilities there too.

"As our current rescuers and some new ones will be helping to look after the casualties rather than them having to stay at the vets costing us money, we will be saving a large sum of money which will also help keep WRAS afloat."

The unit is still short of money and the project still needs several thousand pounds to help finish the construction — so old cages and equipment are being used to help get the project off the ground before the full funds are in.

Anyone interested in helping by either donating or volunteering should contacted East Sussex WRAS by e-mail on trevor@wildlifeambulance.org or by turning up to a public meeting at Committee Room Two, Hailsham Leisure Centre, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham at 7.30pm on August 29.