A DEDICATED cat lover who has been told she must close her well established sanctuary is calling on Citizen readers to save the day.

Three cats and nine kittens desperately need good homes after complaints by locals sounded the death knell for the rescue group run by Michelle Pickering from a purpose built shed in her garden.

Michelle of Olympia Street, Burnley, explained: "I have been told I must finish running the service by the housing association because there have been four complaints by residents about cats causing a nuisance.

There is a serious problem with strays in this area but I can't understand the complaints. I don't even let my cats leave the garden because some people have been planting razor blades on their lawns to deter cats."

"I am sad it has got to this stage but I have to be realistic because I could get evicted. I just hope people will help me with these last few kittens and their mothers."

Michelle has been running the sanctuary for the past two years with the help of a team of five volunteers. They have found homes for more than 200 cats and kittens in the last 12 months alone.

Michelle added: "All the cats are neutered and will make perfect pets for the right people. I would particularly like to hear from responsible, mature people who can offer good homes."

The animal loving team will continue with their regular fund-raising efforts to help keep other rescue centres in the area open.

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