THE future of a centre devoted to abandoned animals in Wirral has been secured after a charity merger.
Financial struggles at Wallasey RSPCA have led to it teaming up with the more affluent Chester branch.
The centre is a franchise, which means it is self-financing and relies on donations to cover its running costs. The accounts currently just break even.
It is hoped the new partnership will protect the charity on the peninsula and allow it to continue to provide vital care for stray pets.
Wallasey manager Joanne Williams said: "We run the only animal centre in the area and the costs are huge.
"Merging with the Chester branch will help us to keep running the services we provide here and that is vital.
"It is quite an affluent branch because it doesn't have an animal centre. We are all here for the same purpose - to help animals. The service we provide will not change."
The animal centre, in Cross Lane, Wallasey, opened in the 1940s. In 1999, it underwent a major refurbishment programme to expand its facilities and can now admit rabbits, birds and small animals as well as cats and dogs.
It runs a dog exercise compound and holding kennels for inspectorate case dogs.
Future plans include forming a wildlife and nature trail, which will be used to help educate local school children, and a memorial garden for pets.
The centre also runs a clinic in Birkenhead for people on benefits treating more than 3,600 animals a year. The merger will also secure the future of the Chester branch, which runs a shop in the city centre, by boosting the number of volunteers.
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