A new vets will open in Congleton in the coming days.

Uttoxeter-born James Ede will open a new practice just off Alexandra Way.

Entering his twenty-second year as a vet, the practice will be located in Unit 6 of John Bradshaw Court.

James has previously worked as a vet in Congleton, and will have an initial team of five at his new venture.

There is ample parking at the site. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

"I was faced with the personal choice of emigrating abroad or opening a practice here. I chose Congleton," he said.

"My parents who have just retired, were dairy farmers. So my interest in the veterinary sector came began as a teenager from work experience at the vets they used.

"The vet sector has got very corporate-owned. 51% of practices in the UK are owned by one of six companies now. [Source] And it means that competition for clients isn't there anymore. There are very few practices which have their owners on site, so while standards are high they can slip a little bit in things like customer care.

"So I am keen to offer a good level of service for fair and reasonable prices to the people of Congleton.

"Another benefit of supporting an independent vet is that there is no chain of command in the decision making process, we're a small and efficient team, able to make decisions quickly."

The business is called Millie's as it was the name of James' first-ever dog.

"She was a cross-breed that I treated three months after I first qualified as a vet," he explained.

"She came into the Stoke practice I worked at in 2001 as a stray, after she was hit by two cars.

"When she came in she had a broken rib, broken back leg and various other injuries.

"She came to me as a puppy, and I kept her as nobody came forward.

"We lost her about five years ago. And I said to myself then that if I ever had another practice, I would call it Millie's."

Formerly on the site of IT company Brighter Bills, the new vets can't commit to an opening date quite yet, but are just waiting for delivery of a few bits of kit to get started.

Councillors are yet to consider their application for two fascia aluminium signs spanning 1.7 x 1.12 metres will be installed as part of the building.

"Thank you to everyone in Congleton for their support," he added.

"Our books are already closed after the initial pre-registration phase, but look forward to meeting new clients later in the year. We are already fully booked for the first few weeks.

"Millie's Vets by James Ede will be located on 6 John Bradshaw Ct, Congleton CW12 1LB (next-door-but-one to Gymetc)."

Head to their website for updates.

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