BUILDING is well under way on the next phase of work at a homing centre for abandoned and neglected animals near Worcester.

Foundations are now in place for the 10-pen rabbit and small animal house with kitchen at The Holdings Rescue & Rehoming Centre, run by the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch.

The concrete plinth has just been completed, ready for the installation of the new building later this month.

These pictures show the block and beam base and plans for the new small animal accommodation, which should be finished by the end of October.

Geraldine Haynes, branch trustee, said: "At the moment rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals are cared for in foster homes in our branch area, while recovering and waiting for their new homes.

"Many are brought to our branch by RSPCA inspectors following reports of abandonment and neglect.

"It will be so much better for the branch and for the animals to come onto one site."

The pens will be arranged around a central corridor with roof vents to control airflow and key locking access doors at both ends. Runs measure two metres long and 1.2 metres wide with dividers made of toughened glass to prevent nose-to-nose contact and possible nipping and biting.

A mesh glazed sash between each pen can be removed to connect pairs of pens together for large family groups and socialisation.

The rabbit and small animal house is the next phase in the development of The Holdings, which already has a 20-pen cattery on site.

You can visit the shelter in Holdings Lane, Broomhall, Kempsey, Worcester WR5 3FP to see the cats seeking adoption any day (except Wednesdays) between 11am and 4pm. There are no dogs on site yet. They are still boarded at private kennels until funds have been raised to build the kennels.

To see rescued animals seeking their forever homes, please visit the branch website: rspcaworcester.org.uk or call Geraldine for dogs on 01886 822083 or The Holdings on 07484 905707 for enquiries about cats, rabbits and small animals.