11 November 2010
Harriett Baldwin MP this week welcomed news of plans for the refurbishment of an important Malvern building. The Sheffield House facility, which was accommodation for short term stays for individuals with mental health issues, has been empty and unused since it was closed by the Mental Health Trust in 2008. Plans were this week announced to carry out a refurbishment plan. Harriett commented: “I was unhappy when the Mental Health Trust closed the Sheffield House facility and have been annoyed and frustrated by the delay in reopening it as supported housing. Local residents have complained to me about the impact of having an empty and unmaintained building in their area. I have been raising the issue with the Mental Health Trust on a regular basis. “I am therefore very pleased to hear that an agreement has been reached and that this much-needed accommodation could be provided.” A public consultation led by the Worcestershire Mental Health Trust failed to save the facility in 2008. Earlier this year, plans were drawn up for the re-development of the site, and the tender was won by Home Group, which manages a similar facility in Kidderminster.