The British Red Cross has announced this week that its centre in Burnham-on-Sea is to close in December.
The Red Cross provides short-term loans of wheelchairs and other equipment, including backrests, bath seats and walking frames, to help people regain their independence after an accident or illness.
However, the lease on its centre at 9 Victoria Court in Burnham, pictured, will end on Friday 19th December as the building is no longer suitable for the needs of the service.
The Red Cross has this week thanked all its users, as well as its team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom will now continue to volunteer at the nearby Bridgwater and Taunton centres.
Tracey Miller, the organisation’s independent living service manager, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our service users and fantastic volunteers for supporting the service over the years.”
“Although we will not have a permanent base in Burnham-On-Sea from the end of the year people will still be able to access the service either by visiting our centres in Taunton or Bridgwater, or by booking equipment to be delivered to their home for a small fee.”
She added: “We would also be interested in hearing from other organisations, including hospitals and health centres, which might be able to offer us the use of a room on an occasional basis to allow us to store equipment and hold appointments with members of the public during which they can borrow equipment and return it to us when they have finished with it. The room will need to have disability access and parking facilities.”
The mobility aids centre at Victoria Court will remain open until Friday 19th December and after that people can access the service at Red Cross House in Taunton (TA2 6BD), tel 01823 273 746 or the Red Cross centre in Salmon Parade, Bridgwater, TA6 5JT, Tel: 01278 451 797. To arrange for items to be delivered, call 01823 273746. Items cost £10 to deliver and £10 to collect. There is no charge for borrowing items but the Red Cross invites people to make a donation.
