PEOPLE with learning disabilities in the town can now take a break in style following the opening of a new £1.68m centre in Gorse Hill.

Swindon mayor Coun Ray Ballman yesterday officially opened the buildings in Firethorn Close, which replace Oak House in Wroughton and Elsie Millin Court in Gorse Hill, which had become rundown and were no longer fit for purpose.

The Short Breaks Service provides support for about 100 families and is run on behalf of Swindon Council by the Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust (Ridgeway Partnership) Social Care Division.

Regular breaks of between one night and a week given family members valuable time for themselves, which can be particularly important for carers.

Spending time away can also help people with learning disabilities become more independent and confident.

The new accommodation has 14 en-suite bedrooms and is split into three separate areas, each with its own communal living room, kitchen and dining area. A number of roomas have ceiling track hoists and fully adapted bathrooms, while lifts in both buildings allow easy access for all.

Coun Ballman said: “We must thank everyone involved in this project – all the staff have worked so hard. It’s been a long road and at last, now we are here and we have achieved something fantastic for people in the town who have disabilities.”

As well as providing better surroundings for service users, the new centre will ensure a more efficient and flexible service provided from one site.

Danny Cross, whose sister Elizabeth used the services for 10 years before she died 18 months ago at the age of 53, was a member of the committee and oversaw the designs and plans.

He said his sister would have been overwhelmed with the finished facilities.

“It has always been close to my heart and I am really pleased that it is now finished and it looks fantastic,” he said.

“My sister used to absolutely love going to Elsie Millin Court so she would have loved this even more – she would have made such a fuss over it.”

Jolene Lancett, 34, who has learning difficulties, visits the centre every fortnight.

Her mum Christine, from West Swindon, said: “Having a place like this just gives the family time to step back from your caring role and be yourself.

“Having my daughter is like having a baby around – you can’t just go out and do whatever you want. She thinks the new facilities are absolutely fantastic.”

Coun Brian Mattock, Swindon Council cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “These new buildings will not only enable us to continue providing a vital service for families who require a much needed break, they will offer modern accommodation which better suits their needs.”