AN INNOVATIVE £50,000 project to set-up a hotel for horses is being considered for approval in the Holyhead area.

Betfred boss Fred Done says he is planning to set up luxury stables amidst reports that the animals are being transferred dangerously between England and Ireland.

The £25 a night “hotel for horses” project has been earmarked to be built on land next to the Roadking truck stop and budget hotel development near the port of Holyhead.

Mr Done’s plan, which has been fully supported by the RSPCA, comes following concern expressed by Roadking kitchen assistant Kerry Jones.

The 48-year-old told her bosses that she was “horrified” to see horses being transferred between vehicles on nearby A55 lay-by's and on smaller local lanes.

Mother of two Ms Jones, who lives in Holyhead, said: “I have my own horse, Cloudy Bay, and so I know about the welfare of these animals.

“Horses can be easily spooked and I thought this was a real health and safety issue.

“I just felt something should be done, I spoke to truckers at Roadking who transfer livestock and they said this was a nightmare.”

Ms Jones told Roadking managing director Nick Whatmore about her concerns and he then discussed this with Fred Done, who operates 1,680 shops nationwide.

He was instantly sold with the idea and, after canvassing opinions, a plan has now been prepared.

Should it come to fruition, it will see a U-shaped luxury stable with space for 12 horses built next to the planned Roadking Rooms hotel.

Mr Done says there would be up to ten members of staff looking after the animals, including security workers.

He added that horses, including valuable race horses, show and polo ponies, would be exercised on the nearby Porthdafarch beach on the island.

“Kerry has shown real initiative in coming up with this idea," Mr Done said.

“We have had positive feedback from people who would be liable to use this stable.

“With the port becoming more and more congested, it is important that horses are kept in a safe environment and not endangered.

"Like Kerry I am concerned about horses being transferred on local roads. We intend to make this hotel a safe haven for horses close to the port.”

An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said that the organisation would welcome any move to make long journeys less stressful for equines.

"We hope detailed plans for this facility will focus strongly on improving the welfare of transported horses - and we look forward to seeing them," he said.

"Horse welfare is a key priority for the RSPCA."