Helen Ley centre near Leamington is finally saved

The move comes two years after former owner, the national charity the MS Society, announced it would have to close the centre - which provides respite care for people with multiple sclerosis - unless a new owner was found. The uncertainty over whether this would happen prompted all of Helen Ley’s permanent residents to find homes elsewhere.

Castel Froma, a specialist neuro-disability rehabilitation based in Lillington Road, has now confirmed that it has taken over the 34-bed home.

Robert Pearce, chief executive of the centre, which already cares for patients of multiple sclerosis, as well as other neurological conditions, said that, having worked tirelessly to keep Helen Ley operating, it was now “open for business”.

He said: “The centre is now available for both long-term stay and respite support.

“Helen Ley will continue to be a dedicated centre for those with MS, and in future we might consider offering the facility to people with other neurological conditions in response to local demand.

“Our main focus now is to place the centre on a sound financial footing and to ensure that it remains in the heart of the community for years to come. We owe it to the public to keep it going.”

The MS Society made the decision to end its respite care service in 2010 and was unable to find an alternative provider to buy it until negotiations began with Castel Froma at the end of last year.

Anyone wishing to book a stay at Helen Ley should call 313550. See Friday’s Courier for a more in-depth report on the takeover.