A battery hen rescue centre faces closure after receiving a £6,250 bill from a council.

Linda Turvey, who runs Hen Heaven, has been told Horsham District Council will charge her for the removal of vehicles, old baths and pallets from her Henfield sanctuary if she is not prepared to do it herself.

The council claims the items are not in keeping with planning conditions which say the Stonepit Lane site can only be used for agricultural purposes.

Ms Turvey appealed against an enforcement notice issued by the council but lost her battle in May. She was then given a month to comply, but refused.

Officers visited the site on September 7 to estimate how much it would cost the council to remove the items.

Ms Turvey and her boyfriend Tony Parks refused to allow the officers into one of the barns, claiming it would disturb the birds inside.

The pair were arrested to allow the council officials access but later released without charge during a dramatic confrontation.

Ms Turvey received a letter from the council on Friday, stating she had until September 30 to remove the items or the council would charge her £6,250 plus VAT to have them taken away.

The letter says if she fails to comply, the land could be sold.

Ms Turvey said: "I don't have £6,250. I can't pay. There is nowhere for me to put all these vehicles anyway.

"It's outrageous that you can't keep vehicles on your own land. I have spoken to my solicitor about it.

"If they make me sell the land, all the 650 birds will have to be killed. Nobody could take them on. They are all friends and you can't split them up."

A council spokeswoman said: "She has to comply with the enforcement notice.

"If she won't take action then we must."