Ambitions to have a cat re-homing centre in Melksham will be discussed next week after the number of cats being abandoned has become “overwhelming”.

Cats Action Trust North and West Wiltshire, based in Melksham, is to consider next Tuesday whether they should buy a cattery or build a new one.

Volunteers and supporters are invited to join the annual general meeting to debate the proposal, which will be held at Spencer Sport and Social Club in Beanacre Road at 7.30pm.

The increase in unwanted cats is what trust chairman Chris Wordley feels is down to economic changes whereby “people prioritise people”.

He also attributes social changes and the fact relationship breakdowns often lead to pet owners moving to flats and no longer having the space for them.

Mr Wordley said: “Last year it was agreed by our committee and trustees that we should place all future legacies into a fund to acquire a re-homing centre in or near Melksham in order to ensure the long-term future of the charity.

“It was becoming increasingly difficult to find foster carers and the number of incoming cats was often overwhelming.

“Therefore we set aside £50,000 in a separate ring-fenced fund but we don’t want to take the next step until we have the approval of our wider membership, which is why it’s so important that we hear the views of as many people as possible before they all vote on the proposal.

“Our current estimate is that a re-homing centre would cost around £1million, as we wouldn’t want the charity to be burdened with debt.

"This would obviously need huge support from fundraisers and donors.”