THE Callington branch of a national charity which has rescued and rehomed stray and unwanted cats over the past 25 years is to close.

The decision has been taken by regional officers because of the lack of volunteers. But the branch's existing volunteers are upset by what they say was a lack of consultation.

Jane Booth, who has been involved with Cats' Protection in Callington on and off over the past 20 years, said the call came last Thursday out of the blue to say the branch was closing down on May 31.

She said:?'It is such a pity because the branch has done such good work. It was meant to be our 25th anniversary with a big re-launch this month but instead they are shutting us down and looking to set up a new branch in Saltash.

'Yes, there has been a recession and recruitment has been difficult but there are things we could have done if head office had talked to us.'

Callington Cats 'Protection League branch co-ordinator Lynda Dawe said she was devastated by the news. In an email to members and supporters she said: 'It is with a heavy heart that I am sending out this email. We would like to thank every one of you who has supported us over the past 25 years in many ways, whether fundraising, donating, sending stamps or just helping out on the odd occasion. Your help has been very much appreciated.'

Nicola Parry, Cats' Protection's regional development manager for the South West, said: 'The past two years have been a struggle for the Callington and District branch and as a result local branches Plymouth and South Hams and Torpoint and Rame Peninsula have been supporting them by doing their cat homing work.

'Having now reached a point where there are too few volunteers to manage the branch's workload, and following numerous unsuccessful recruitment campaigns, the difficult decision to close the branch has been taken.

'However, plans for a new branch are underway, which will be based in Saltash and will cover the Callington area. Saltash has been chosen because it is closer to neighbouring Cats' Protection branches, meaning that more

support will be available to ensure its success.'

She said the new branch was expected to launch in 2013 so in the meantime the Callington area was being covered by the Plymouth and South Hams and Torpoint and Rame Peninsula branches.

'This will ensure we continue to do everything we can to help cats in the area,' she added.