IT’S crunch time for the Blue Cross – with the animal charity today just one step away from getting the go-ahead for a new �1million-plus state-of-the-art rescue centre for pets.

Planning officers are recommending approval for the plans put forward by the charity to move its Felixstowe operation to The Hollies, the former BT and civil service sports and social club at Foxhall and its two acres of grounds.

That means the charity can now officially launch its Complete the Dream appeal to raise the money needed for the exciting project.

There was more good news, too, with the announcement that the new rescue centre will create six new full-time jobs.

Just 18 months ago, the Blue Cross was considering pulling out of the area and its treasured centre in Felixstowe was facing the axe as part of a major reorganisation.

But thanks to the campaign spearheaded by The Evening Star executives agreed to keep it open – and to look for a place where a modern adoption centre meeting the very latest standards could be built.

The Hollies will provide 25 per cent more dog kennels and cat pens, larger and more comfortable sound-proofed facilities, keeping new admissions separate from animals waiting for new homes.

It will also have an isolation area for sick animals, a puppy and kitten facility, plus exercise areas, staff offices, a manager’s flat, storage and the possibility of a clinic, operating theatre recovery rooms and x-ray.

Case officer Michaelle Coupe said: “The new accommodation will provide significantly improved facilities and will allow the Blue Cross to increase the services they can currently provide at their existing site.

“It has not been possible to extend the facility at Walton because of the size of the site and the presence of protected trees.”

It would bring back into use a large floorspace which has laid dormant for years with no economic benefit to the area or district.

Neither Foxhall Parish Council nor the highways authority has raised any objections.