HEALTH chiefs confirmed this week that they are to close Century House as part of mental health cuts in Salisbury.

The Grade Two listed building in Endless Street in Salisbury, is currently the base for most community mental health services in south Wiltshire.

But the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has announced it is to transfer services to the new and refurbished buildings on the Old Manor Hospital site in Wilton Road - and put Century House on the market in mid to late June.

All staff and services will transfer to their new base between August and November 2003.

The trust expects to raise somewhere in the region of £900,000 and make revenue savings of £150,000 each year, as a result of the move.

Malcolm Sinclair, Mental Health Services Director said "I think most people are aware that we are facing real challenges here in Salisbury.

"However our staff are working hard to develop new approaches that will address the financial deficit, whilst minimising the impact on service users and carers, and taking the trust towards a more modern service.

"Moving to brand new purpose built facilities on the Old Manor Hospital site is one part of that.

"The sale of Century House, which will enable us to make savings without affecting the level of service available to local people, is another.

"I understand that people have concerns about any proposed changes to local services and we will be working to make sure that everyone is kept up to date, and appropriately involved, as things move forward".