Two High Street fashion boutiques in Ledbury are bracing themselves for more anti-fur protests tomorrow (Saturday).

Sez and In Stark Contrast have been the target of placard-waving by animal rights activists.

Margaret Stark, owner of In Stark Contrast, has been in talks with police this week and is preparing to phone for assistance tomorrow if she cannot reason with the protesters.

She said: "As an animal-loving person and an ethical trader, I would like to say that when our orders were placed, we discussed with our suppliers exactly what fur was on the garments that they were selling. If it was clear that the fur was a by-product of a food industry, namely rabbit and sheep, then it was ordered. All others were rejected.

"I cannot see that the manner and scale of the current protest is well targeted.

"Common sense says this will stop eventually and we'll stay open and not be intimidated."

Mrs Stark said she felt for the other traders in the town who had been affected by the protests and thanked customers who had given their support.

John Nash, of John Nash Antiques and Interiors, next door to In Stark Contrast, said he did not have a single customer last Saturday, because the alleyway to his shop door was blocked by protesters.

Sarah Handley, owner of Sez, said she could only endorse Mrs Stark's comments and had also sourced the fur to make sure it came from the food industry as a by-product.

She said she had felt intimidated by the protesters, who would only leave her shop if a policeman was present.

The protesters are from People Against Cruelty to Animals (PACA), the group which also targets Sequani on the Bromyard road.

A message on the Internet boasts about the group having "occupied" two Ledbury fashion shops.

It concludes: "We will doubtlessly be having a re-run until the owners get the message that fur has no place anywhere else but on an animals' back."