MS care home closure plan confirmed

MS patients have used the home for 30 years

Campaigners have lost their last battle to keep open a Devon respite home for people with multiple sclerosis.

The MS Society has confirmed that Orcombeleigh in Exmouth will close at the end of this month.

Former branch chairman Tony Garrick said users of the service feel hurt and let down.

He said: "I'm gutted. All of us who fought it are gutted, but the people who are really gutted are the people who have used it.

The MS Society said the home was under-occupied

"There really isn't going to be anywhere similar. There are alternatives being proposed, but they won't compare."

The MS Society said it faced rising costs and expensive repairs to bring the building up to new government health and safety standards.

The society is to provide vouchers for people wishing to try alternative centres.

The news follows a strong campaign by supporters who had hoped to keep the home open.

Plans for its closure were first recommended in May, after a review of the MS society's holiday homes.

The review found that Orcombeleigh was under-occupied.

Other care providers were invited to submit tenders for buying the home.