Horses, nicknamed Chantilly Fillies, have finally been moved from disused land to the relief of residents concerned about their welfare.

Their disappearance comes after the Department of Health (DoH) issued what were in effect eviction notices to the horses on the land along Chantilly Way, Epsom.

On Tuesday a DoH spokeswoman said: "A possession order was obtained from the county court before Christmas and the horses have been removed by their owners."

Your Local Guardian:

An enforcement notice put up on the fence last year

The area was formerly part of the Epsom Cluster of psychiatric hospitals and it was retained by the Government to allow the construction of Chantilly Way.

Your Local Guardian:

Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Knight said: "I’m pleased they have gone and hoping that will reduce the number of calls about horses going on to the highway.

"We will speak to the owner to make sure they had the relevant documents and passports to move them.

"The horses were not being neglected as such, albeit causing controversy because there were no stables or bedding."

Your Local Guardian:

Back in 2012 worried residents raised concerns about the welfare of a horse which appeared in Chantilly Way after the Epsom Derby.

More horses later appeared but the RSPCA maintained that its officers could not remove the horses just because they were alone and without shelter.


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