The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Minister, Jacob Young MP, visited the Waltham Petcare Science Institute at Waltham on the Wolds and Thurnby’s new Cafe 55, which has been partially funded by the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
The Minister was shown around Mars Petcare’s science centre at Waltham to learn more about their leading role in the pet food and nutrition industry.
Mars Petcare has been at the forefront of advancing pet science, technology and data for six decades, using science powered by data to better understand pet health and well-being. The centre is home to over 200 dogs and 200 cats.
Mars Petcare has partnered with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to raise awareness around the challenges surrounding renting and letting properties with pets. The Minister voiced his support for a campaign to amend the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill on his visit, which is currently passing through Parliament, where Mars Petcare and Alicia Kearns have been campaigning to make renting with pets an easier process for tenants.
In Thurnby, the Minister was given a tour of the new ‘Cafe 55’ which is set to open to the public next week. The disused Pavilion in the village’s Manor Park has been transformed thanks to a combination of Government funding, grants and fundraising. Alongside the cafe, there will also be a space in the building to host community services, events, support networks, charity and health workers, and therapy.
Alicia supported the community’s successful bid for £250,000 in Community Ownership Funding by raising it with the Government. Alicia last visited the site for their groundbreaking event in March 2023. Since then, impressive progress has been made on the building site ahead of their upcoming opening.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to our communities to showcase the amazing facilities and projects we are all so proud of.
“I am so pleased the Minister gave us a hint that our amendment on protecting pet owners in rental agreements may become law.
“Thurnby’s Cafe 55 has come on leaps and bounds since I last visited for their groundbreaking event. It’s heart-warming to hear how supportive the community has been of the project, and I wish them all the very best for their exciting opening next week!”
