CAMPAIGNERS were today due to meet council officials in a bid to save Aberdeen’s Doonies Farm.

The Friends of Doonies were expected to speak to Aberdeen City Council as they try to get a long-term deal to take on the site.

The group, which took over the running of the farm six months ago after it was threatened with closure through council cuts, is still withholding payment on four invoices.

The exact amounts have not been confirmed but running costs for the farm have been in the region of £7,000 a month.

As reported in the Evening Express, the group has been refusing to pay up until issues have been resolved with the council.

Group chairman John Sleigh said: “That is why we are pleased to be meeting the council.”

One outstanding issue is ownership of the animals. Sales of livestock have brought in about £70,000 to the council so far – but this has not been passed on to the group.

“Either the animals are ours and we get the money for their sale, or they are not ours and we do not pay for their upkeep,” said Mr Sleigh. “All the businesses we have interested in this have said they are not interesting in simply funding a council deficit.”

A temporary lease agreed with the council ran out on Saturday.

Depute council leader Kevin Stewart said: “We are continuing to find a long term agreement with the group.”

nevans@ajl.co.uk