A major Londonderry-based care group is to move into new Waterside headquarters today.

Mary McColgan, chairwoman of Partnership Care West, said she discussed need for a centre 10 years ago with the late Peter McLachlan, who was then chief executive of Bryson House.

"It's like a dream come true," she said as she accepted the keys of their new HQ at Gortfoyle House, on Spencer Road, from the Waterside Development Trust.

Partnership Care West, which has been occupying two converted houses at Spencer Road, is moving into the former police station which has just been renovated at a cost of pounds 250,000.

The trust will continue to have its offices in the building.

"At the moment, we are occupying buildings on each side of the street and the new office accommodation is badly needed," said senior manager Joe McGrann.

"It will certainly make life a lot easier when we are housed under one roof."

The organisation has 45 workers in six projects, operating a large domiciliary care service throughout Londonderry.

"More than 120 clients are receiving approximately 1,450 care visits per week," said Mr McGrann.

[As reported in the Newsletter]