Pet crematorium proposal lodged

A bid to open a pet crematorium in Shropshire took a major step forward today after a planning application was tabled.

Jenny Martinez, the owner of Grinshill Animal Rescue Centre, near Wem, is planning to expand its services.

She has applied to Shropshire County Council for planning permission to convert buildings into a pet crematorium at Woodstile Farm, Acton Reynald, Grinshill.

Her bid also seeks for permission to put up a new building with incinerator plant.

The development would help increase income for the rescue centre, which caters mainly for cats and dogs and needs to raise about £35,000 each year to meet running costs.

The crematorium would not be open to the public, but would provide a cremation service for veterinary practices within a 20-mile radius.

Speaking about plans to expand the centre last September, Mrs Martinez said two new jobs could be created if the new facility gets the go ahead from planning officials.

Kevin Spurgeon, a director with the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Cremation, said today: "If it operates in the right way it could be a great local service for the community but needs support from local vets so good luck to the applicants."