Dog trainer may lose his job (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Dog trainer may lose his job

A COTSWOLD greyhound trainer says he could lose his job after being told he can no longer live with his dogs.

Grant Gillet, 49, was given temporary permission by Cotswold District Council to live in a mobile home at his kennels in Southrop last year.

But now the trainer has been ordered off the site by Christmas and says he could lose his training licence and his job.

Council planners originally granted temporary consent for the mobile home on the condition Mr Gillet sought permanent accommodation nearby.

He said: "My wife and I have been living in the mobile home but we are on the housing association list for Fosseway for all the surrounding villages.

"But so far nothing has been offered to us."

He also says the National Greyhound Racing Club stipulates there must be accommodation on site for both welfare and security reasons and if he is forced to move he could lose his licence.

Mr Gillett said: "The NGRC has made it clear to me that withdrawal of permission for accommodation on site could lead to the withdrawal of my licence.

"As this is my only source of income, not only will I be homeless but also without a job.

"I am not in a position to buy a property and private rental would also be too costly."

However, despite his heartfelt pleas council planners rejected the application to extend the temporary planning permission.

Councillors feared setting a dangerous precedent by allowing the couple to continue living in the mobile home, although there were concerns raised both for their welfare and the welfare of the greyhounds.

Cllr David Broad said: "From an animal welfare point of view I think it would be much better to have someone on site.

"I would support permitting the retainment of the home on this site." But planning officers say they believe Mr Gillet can retain his NGRC licence by living in accommodation nearby.

A spokesman said: "CDC does not accept there is a functional need for on site residential accommodation in connection with the greyhound business."