Cannock cattery hit by blaze in which 20 pets died to be rebuilt

Pinetrees Cattery, Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock is expected to be given permission to do so after owner Lynn Durnall, who has run it for nearly 13 years, plans more than 30 new pens after being inundated by bookings and support.

The 50-year-old says she recently reopened after last January's blaze next to her home. She is using about 10 pens not destroyed. The cattery, is now almost fully booked until June.

Mrs Durnall, who sent plans to South Staffordshire District Council, said: "We have been taking bookings. We've started taking cats in again.

"We've got a few of the regulars. We've also had a lot of new people coming in to have a look around.

"We've had a lot of support since the fire. It's been very good. People have been very supportive in asking us to carry on.

"The hardest part has been turning people away when we couldn't take their cats. Hopefully the plans will get passed now and we can move on."

Under plans, recommended for approval by the council, the cattery would have 46 pens. New pens would be in the same location as old ones and include self-contained heated sleeping quarters, exercise areas and safety porches. Pens would be joined with a service corridor at the end.

The cattery received 80 cards and letters from well-wishers, while 21 of were from clients who said they hoped they would be up and running soon.

It employs six full-time staff and two part-time employees. It had to close after the blaze kiled all but two cats. Mrs Durnall's own cat, 10-month-old Ollie, was badly burned. Three of her other cats died.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue concluded the fire was accidental and due to an electrical fault. All safety procedures were in place. It was initially thought some cats escaped but all were accounted for.