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Town Mayor Opens Refurbished Kennels and Cattery

Mayor's Press Releases

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook with owners of refurbished Kennels & Cattery 

The Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Paul Holbrook, took part in a special ceremony to mark the opening of the newly refurbished Linden Lodge Kennels & Cattery in Hempstead Lane today [Monday 11 November].

Councillor Holbrook was joined by owners Lynne Edwards and John Imeson who, since taking over the business nearly four years ago, have carried an extensive programme of renovation and re-building on-site.

The renovations were carried out due to the existing structures requiring intensive maintenance and upgrade, but also as a result of new Animal Welfare Regulations imposed last year.

The upgrades to Linden Lodge have now provided not only improved accommodation for their guests but also a new kitchen and food preparation area, staff room and a staff toilet. Furthermore, the owners are pleased to announce the construction of a fully functioning grooming parlour, which will provide their clients with an additional service.

They have also adopted a green policy within the business and now recycle as much as possible – utilising energy from solar panels and using harvested/treated rainwater for general cleaning. All chemicals used on site are environmentally friendly.

The kennels and cattery are fully licenced by Wealden District Council, having been rated as ‘Five Star’ under the new national ratings system.

Delighted to have been invited to be part of the opening event, Councillor Holbrook said: “Thank you to Lynne and John for such a warm welcome. Both have worked so hard since purchasing the business to get the newly revamped kennels and modernised cattery looking so beautiful.”

“Linden Lodge has built up a good reputation over the 35-plus years they have been in existence and since taking over the business in 2015, the new owners continue to work hard to build on that reputation and improve facilities even further.”

“We’re delighted with the response from our customers and guests, including the Town Mayor,” said joint-owner Lynne Edwards. “We’d like to thank everyone for their support in making our dream a reality and look forward to many happy years of looking after the lovely dogs and cats on behalf of our valued customers.”

“Helping to see this renovation project through, we were fortunate to secure a grant through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development which greatly assisted us with the vision we had.”

“One of the conditions of this grant was ongoing recruitment of local people within the business. We have employed some extremely capable new staff who we feel are moving the business forward in the direction we want.”

“We also work in conjunction with Plumpton College in the recruitment of apprentices and have so far taken two staff through their apprenticeship to qualification and currently have one member of staff making the same journey.”

As newcomers to the area, owners Lynne Edwards and John Imeson are keen to furnish links with the local community. Both are keen football supporters and as such provide sponsorship to Hailsham Town Football Club.

They have also sponsored a former member of staff in their quest for success in the ‘Longest Golf Drive’ competition (finishing 7th in the UK last year) and the Hailsham Model Railway Show, the Fundraiser for the Hailsham Healthy Living Club.

For more information on Linden Lodge Kennels & Cattery, please call 01323 842049.

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Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk