Redhill parents to sue E. coli farm

A children's petting farm is facing legal action from families affected by an E. coli outbreak.

Redhill's Gemma Weaver, 24, of Bramley Close, has vowed to "never forgive the farm" after her three-year-old son, Alfie, suffered kidney failure following a visit to Godstone Farm.

The business, on Tilburstow Hill Road, has been in the spotlight since September 12 after it was closed following one of the UK's largest E. coli outbreaks.

Mrs Weaver said: "We are taking legal advice at the moment.

"I will never, ever be setting foot in a farm with my children again. Not just Godstone Farm but any farm."

Mrs Weaver said she still hadn't heard from (farm manager) Mr Oatway.

"I phoned him on the day it closed to tell him how ill Alfie was, and where he had been on the day, and I still haven't heard back from him," she said.

However, when the Mirror contacted manager Richard Oatway regarding Mrs Weaver's concerns, he said a colleague had called her back.

But he said: "Obviously I'm sorry for what happened to Alfie and I hope he gets better soon."

Despite her seeking legal advice, Mrs Weaver said she doesn't want to see the farm closed down.

"While I don't think Godstone farm should be shut down – we have been there many times over the years - I can never forgive them for what has happened."

The children's farm is facing the possibility of dozens of writs from victims seeking compensation.

Questioned on how he thinks his business will be affected by the E. coli outbreak, Mr Oatway vowed to reopen.

He said: "We will definitely be opening again.

"There are still ongoing investigations but we are sure we will open again."