Andover Catfe awarded ‘great’ council grant

A new cat cafe has received a £1,200 grant from a local council.

Andover Catfe on Winchester Road, Andover, was awarded an Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.

Owner Stuart Waue said the money was a “great help to get us off the ground and up and running”.

Jennie Pell, principal economic development officer at Test Valley Borough Council, said the cafe was a “unique attraction” for Andover and that the council was “delighted” to support it.

The Andover Catfe was first proposed by Mr Waue’s son Jack at the Youth in Test Valley Awards.

It was not the winning bid but attracted substantial interest, so the family decided to pursue it.

The business has taken over the ground floor of 2 Winchester Street in Andover town centre, which had been vacant for a number of months.

Occupying a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month is a criterion needed to be eligible for the grant.

“The Catfe is a unique attraction for the town, offering a lovely relaxing environment with a beautiful and very well-cared for group of cats,” said Ms Pell.