A VOLUNTARY group has officially taken over the running of a popular and valued local service, ensuring its future safety.

The Friends of Birkenhead Kennels received the keys to the facility on Corporation Road from Wirral Council’s cabinet member for environment and sustainability, Cllr Bernie Mooney, after a successful project to place the service into community hands.

Sam Simpson, chair of the Friends, said: “It has been an incredibly busy but exciting time preparing for the transfer of this vital service.

“We are very optimistic for the future success of the stray kennel provision and so proud and grateful for the hard work and utter dedication of everybody, including our volunteers, who have made this possible.”

A Wirral Council proposal last year suggested the development of a ‘formal partnership to run the service’ with the Friends Group, which is a registered charity.

Cllr Mooney said: “I am delighted at the success of this project, which ensures community control and protects the future of an important service. I would like to praise those Wirral Council officers who have been involved in this project, and also the hard work and dedication of the Friends of Birkenhead Kennels.”

The Friends group will now fully deliver the service, including administration, enquiry handling, vehicle requirements, building repair and maintenance, general equipment and staff protective clothing and equipment needs.

Wirral Globe:
Staff from the kennels with Cllr Bernie Mooney and a couple of their pooches.

Ms Simpson added: “As a charity we are committed to serving the people of Wirral and helping to re-home stray and unwanted dogs. On behalf of the Friends of Birkenhead Kennels, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for all your continued support."

The group will open a shop at the site, Lead Me A Stray, selling food, treats and necessities for dogs and other pets.

The shop and office will be open from Tuesday - Saturday 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, with kennel viewing times from Tuesday - Saturday 11.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm.

All profits from the shop will go towards helping to re-home Wirral’s stray and unwanted dogs.

  • For more information, call 0151 556 1220 or email office@fobk.org.uk. To search for lost dogs, or to see dogs that are looking for a new home, visit fobk.org.uk.