A NEW veterinary practice has been launched in a revamped barn.

The Linkswood Veterinary Centre opened its doors to the public on November 1 and is based at Catley Cross, north of Halstead.

The centre is the brainchild of couple Robert and Avril Lees.

Robert has been a vet for more than 40 years.

Avril is also experienced in the field, having spent more than 30 years managing a veterinary practice.

The couple had considered retiring and subsequently sold their last practice to their former partners.

In early 2021, a planning application was made to convert a barn into the new Linkswood Veterinary Centre.

At the time Robert was already operating a successful stud and RSPCA service, which was providing small animal veterinary treatment under the care and supervision of the animal charity.

Linkswood Veterinary Centre opened its doors at the start of the month and offers three consultation rooms.

It also has as an X-ray room and an operating theatre.

Robert is joined at the practice by George Lightfoot, who has qualified as a vet at Cambridge University and has since gained two post-graduate certificates, one in medicine and one in surgery.

They are assisted by four veterinary nurses.

Having received numerous five-star reviews in their first week of opening, the centre is looking forward to a successful future.

Robert said: “I realised that I was not ready to retire, and had the desire to start a new adventure, particularly as so many young vets and nurses were keen to join us, with the same enthusiasm and belief that a veterinary surgery should be a vocation rather than a business.

“I started working at Taylor and Hogger, in Sudbury in 1979 and became a partner there with Eric Taylor in 1984 and then in 1990 set up the practice at Catley Cross until last year.

“We live on-site and had the space to open a centre here.

“We are based just five minutes’ drive from Halstead and are well known in the local community.

“It has exceeded our expectations with the number of clients and pets being registered with us, but also the amount of goodwill and positive feedback.”

“We are through and through an independent practice, with independent values.

“This means we do not have to be dictated by corporate rules and restrictions.

“We see all companion animals and small pets, and each and every one of them is as important as the other.”