SALISBURY'S Well Woman Centre has shut its doors to the public, after cash shortages finally forced it out of business.

The Castle Street centre has provided help and advice to thousands of women over the past 18 years but has been struggling financially since money from the last National Lottery grant dried up.

It had been awarded £281,000 in two grants over six years from 1997, but that money ran out in March this year, and it has since struggled to continue running on a fraction of the funding required.

The centre, which offered assistance on issues such as domestic violence and eating disorders, closed its doors on December 19, although existing counselling appointments will continue until the end of January.

Alison Leacock, chairman of the management committee, was very upset to see the centre end its work, but was keen to concentrate on things achieved over the past 18 years.

"We accepted that, once the lottery money ended, we would have to close eventually, but, while we are sad, we are trying to remain upbeat by reassuring ourselves that we have made a difference," she said.

New venues have been found for most of the groups, and Salisbury central library will be taking on the centre's collection of books, to ensure that the good work does continue.

There are further positives to be taken from the fact that, when the centre closes, staff have ensured it will be doing so in a state of financial solvency.

"Any money we have left over will be passed to help like-minded groups in the Salisbury area," said Mrs Leacock.

Reflecting on the end of an era, she said she was pleased that there were now far more services available for women than when the centre opened, and she was very proud of what they had achieved in that time.