A national charity based in Highbridge is moving out of the town this month as it merges with another organisation.
The National Blind Children’s Society (NBCS) has joined forces with another charity, Guide Dogs, and has decided to shut its headquarters in Highbridge’s Market Street, pictured here.
The charity says the move is aimed at “streamlining its operations”.
The loss of the employer is a fresh blow to the centre of Highbridge and has this week been met with disappointment by traders.
But the charity’s spokeswoman, Joanna Roughton, explained the decison to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “NBCS, while retaining its identity as a separate legal entity, has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Guide Dogs, whose head office is near Reading.”
“This new alliance will not only secure our future but will enable us to build on and expand our services to children who are blind and partially-sighted and their families throughout the UK. As such, it is a very important and positive step for the future of our charity.”
She added: “NBCS will continue its work through the Guide Dogs regional and national offices. As part of the inevitable streamlining operation when two organisations join together, and to avoid unnecessary duplication of functions, our Highbridge office will close later this month.”
“Some staff have decided to relocate to the relevant Guide Dogs offices, while others have chosen to follow other paths.”
Highbridge Chamber of Trade Chairman Mike Murphy says he is sad to learn the news.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is very disappointing for Highbridge, especially as this organisation was a good employer and occupied a large premises in the centre of the town. I am very sorry to see them go.”
