A DOGGY day care centre in Radcliffe is celebrating after having a restriction lifted by the council meaning it can now socialise puppies.

Since opening in September 2015, Stay ‘N’ Play Doggy Day Care, in Dale Industrial Estate, has gone from strength to strength.

However, the centre – which provides dog training services, a day care centre and grooming services – has been unable to train puppies aged under six months due to a licensing clause.

Co-owners Luke Millington and Jason Morgan have worked tirelessly to remove the condition and now are reaping the rewards.

Luke, said: “We are delighted that after challenging the condition with the council the clause has been removed from our licence.

“Since opening in 2015 we have had to turn away a lot of new customers with puppies’ due to the restriction which does not allow the socialisation of any under six months old with other dogs in a day care environment.

“We feel passionate about this important time in a puppies’ life so we decided to fight our corner.

“It's great that we can now socialise them during a critical part of their life to prevent the risk of becoming aggressive.”

Luke added that the centre will now be looking for new staff to help them continue to grow and build on their success.

He said: “Since opening we have managed to create a thriving and successful local business that meets the needs of busy dog owners and creates a safe, fun and stimulating environment.

“We have been able to deliver customer expectations as well as creating a loyal customer database and we intend to continue to do that.”

The centre’s groomers and stylists are fully qualified up to Level 3 City and Guilds standards, and all trainers are qualified with the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour.

Licensing committee chairman Cllr David Jones said that it was an easy decision to remove the clause from the licence.

He said: "The councillors were unanimous in taking the decision to remove the condition relating to young pups.

"Members heard detailed argument from the applicant and his barrister and were happy to remove a condition which in this particular case was not necessary."

Coaches also offer puppy training classes and basic obedience classes for more mature dogs.

Anyone wanting to make enquiries about socialising their puppies can do so by calling 07716928281 or visiting www.staynplaydoggydaycare.co.uk