A THRIVING veterinary practice has been given the green light to expand into a vacant neighbouring unit.

Westbrook Veterinary Centre has had plans approved by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department to upgrade its Westbrook Centre home.

It will increase its footprint into the unit next door which was formerly occupied by a youth centre.

This will see the number of full-time staff working at the surgery double from three to six.

Plans state: “Westbrook Veterinary Centre is committed to providing quality veterinary care at an affordable price.

“We would be making a long-term investment into the proposed facility by investing several hundred thousand pounds.

“We intend to employ local people as it improves our community identity, and also reduce the need for long vehicle commutes, which will help to reduce local air pollution.

“This would also include local builders and suppliers.

“We would invest in training young people within the workplace using nurse and vet training schemes.”

The plans add: “The proposal would present an ideal opportunity to expand the services of the existing veterinary surgery to serve the surrounding residential area, and with excellent public transport links.

“There is a shortfall of veterinary practices willing to accept new clients, which has become a major issue in this area.

“This surgery expansion would help alleviate this problem and ensure animals are able to receive appropriate care when they need it.

“The site is in a sustainable and accessible location, and the change of use can be achieved without causing any material harm to the character or appearance of the area.”