CHARITY leaders are ready to hand in plans for a new animal rescue and rehoming centre in Kempsey.

The Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch of RSPCA is poised to hand in the scheme to planners within the next few weeks.

The local branch has already raised £500,000 to buy the Kempsey farmhouse which will be the base of the centre but leaders need a further £500,000 to make the scheme a reality.

The cash will pay for 20 kennels, 20 cat pens and accommodation for 20 rabbits or other smaller animals, a reception area and medical and grooming rooms.

The appeal for donations was launched earlier this year, which is the centenary year of the local branch, and if plans are approved the RSPCA could begin work on transforming the building soon.

Geraldine Haynes, branch committee member and volunteer, said: “There’s still lots of people that don’t realise what we’re trying to do.

“It will make a huge difference because people will have one focal point they can go to see all the animals needing homes.”

At the moment animals looked after by the local branch are in private catteries and kennels but a new centre would reduce the need to pay these costs.

The centre would be staffed by a manager and, depending on the number of animals in the centre’s care, by animal care assistants and volunteers.

Mrs Haynes also revealed that the kittens abandoned on the doorstep of Worcester News reporter James Connell were now in the care of the local RSPCA branch where they are receiving treatment for cat flu, fleas and worms.

She said it was always advisable to get pets vaccinated.

Mrs Haynes said the kittens would ideally be rehomed in pairs but added this might not be necessary, especially if someone already had a cat.

She said people should have animals spayed or neutered and that the local branch could help by covering some of the costs for people on benefits.

To ask about the kittens, how to make donations or volunteer, call Pam Booker on 01905 841354 or Louise Quayle on 01905 20822.