A new pet shop providing both domestic and exotic pets is to open in Wem town centre.

Ian Cameron, the owner of the business, has completed the letting of premises at the rear of 17 High Street in the north Shropshire town.

He is currently renovating the property ahead of opening his first shop, which will be named Land of Pets and Land of Exotics.

Mr Cameron said: “The shop will be split into two. There will be domestic pets like dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters, while there’s also going to be the exotics part as well with snakes, tortoises and lizards.

“We have chosen Wem because of the need for a pet shop and the location next to a car park means there’s a heavy footfall.

“We are just starting the renovations now, so I’m hoping we can get it all done and be ready to open in a couple of months.”  

The shop’s premises, a spacious single storey retail/trade-counter unit with rear storage area, extend in total to 2,655 sq ft.

Providing versatile accommodation with a large open plan sales area, along with ancillary storage and loading facilities, it was previously home to Past & Present, an antiques shop.

Toby Shaw, who handled the letting for Towler Shaw Roberts, said: “The premises, which have been fitted out to a modern standard, are ideally located in the heart of Wem, adjacent to the town’s large public car park and the Co-op supermarket.   

“We are pleased to have completed a letting for the premises to be transformed into a pet shop, which will be something new for the area.

“We wish Ian Cameron every success with his new venture.” Pictured: The premises at the rear of 17 High Street, Wem are being transformed into a new pet shop