Wigan to get RSPCA centre
Wigan is to get its own RSPCA animal welfare centre – after a 30-year wait.
The quarter of a million pound scheme, in York Street, off Wallgate, will be up and running in the spring.
And it will mean that the society will finally have a firm ground base from which to fight cruelty.
Three decades ago Wiganers animal lovers gave a fortune to fund a Pets and Wildlife Shelter – but countless difficulties and disappointments meant the scheme never came about.
Many local animal lovers gave up hope, but President of the Wigan Branch Avril Fishwich saw to it that although the cash was held by the RSPCA national HQ, it was held for its original purpose.
Chairman John Ashcroft said the new centre, formerly a container hire business, will be the hub for all the Wigan Branch's activities, and staff and volunteers will provide animal care and welfare advice to the pet loving public.
The centre will offer low cost animal micro-chipping, neutering vouchers, and financial help to owners unable to afford vets' fees. There will be a host of advice for animal owners as well as education facilities.
Wigan RSPCA manager Bill Stubbs said: "This has been a very long road. Over the years several buildings were considered, but ultimately they never materialised.
"I know news that we have acquired a centre will please the many people who gave so generously to the PAWS scheme."
Bill explained that 30 years ago, it was the intention of the Wigan Branch to have animal care centre, but in the end a permanently staffed HQ was simply too expensive.
Mrs Fishwick added: "My aim was to make sure that every penny raised in the PAWS scheme should be spent on Wigan animals.
"That has happened. It's a happy conclusion all round."
Bill's mother, Sheila Stubbs, now 89 and a tireless RSPCA worker in her day, said: "This is a dream come true."
Mr Stubbs said: "The building in York Street is ideal – bags of room and we will be able to expand animal care in many different directions.
"This building will take us into the future and we still hope to one day have permission to house less fortunate pets.
"As things stand now, we help people who can't afford vets' fees, our aim is that animals should not suffer."
The building will also provide a base for the RSPCA inspector and people involved prosecuting cases.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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