A KIDDERMINSTER woman and her family forced back to the town from crisis-hit Greece are finally settling into their new home after a battle to find accommodation because of their dogs.

Cathy Clark and husband John have moved into a house in St Alban’s Avenue after a number of sympathetic Shuttle readers saw their story in August and offered help.

The family faced an “impossible” economic situation on the island of Aegina and wanted to move back to England with 18-month-old daughter Zoe and dogs Jasper and Max, who they rescued from the street in Greece.

They were rejected or ignored by nearly 40 letting agents in and around Kidderminster because landlords preferred not to rent to pet owners. Refusing to move without the canines, the family faced living apart.

Worcester Street-based Bagley’s Rentals eventually helped Mr and Mrs Clark into their property on October 28 after Mr Clark had arrived in Kidderminster to search for houses and a job.

With help from a Greek animal charity, which transported the dogs to the UK, Mr Clark collected them from London on Monday, November 5.

He said: “Our family is happy and relieved because we were so anxious.

“It was serious. At one point I flickered between my wife and daughter and getting rid of the animals. We could not rehome the dogs in Greece because animals are neglected there. This has saved their lives.

“Cathy feels great being back home. This is where she grew up and her parents live here. Zoe is settled now the dogs are here. Jasper and Max are happy. They are not used to the cold but enjoy running in the fields.”

Mrs Clark grew up in Coningsby Drive and attended the former Franche Middle School and Wolverley Secondary School.

Sarah Bagley, Bagley’s managing director, said: “We saw their story in The Shuttle and got a message to Mr Clark. I was surprised so many people turned him away over a dog. I have no doubt they will be very happy in their new place.”