AFTER a year-long struggle to find a permanent new home in Petersfield, the Red Cross announced this week it is hoping to move back into the town.

Having been without a home of its own for over a year, the Red Cross told The Herald that negotiations for new premises in the town are well under way and it is hoping to get the lease signed in the next couple of weeks.

ÒThis is a positive move forward for Petersfield,Ó said area administration support manager for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Felicity Liebmann.

ÒWe are hoping to secure a long-term lease for 15 years showing our commitment to the people of Petersfield and the area. We are sorry for being away for so long.Ó

The new two-floor home will be based at Viceroy Court on the industrial estate, Bedford Road, Petersfield.

The Red Cross hopes to open the central area administration office for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight towards the end of the summer in August or September.

ÒWeÕre really excited and are trying to move as quickly as we can,Ó said Mrs Liebmann. ÒWe will deal with everything from medical loans to training and first aid groups. We hope the new centre will increase the profile of the Red Cross in Petersfield.Ó

The Petersfield branch was based at the Readon Close Centre but was forced to leave early last year for health and safety reasons.

This was a real problem as, at that time, more than 1,000 items were lent out annually to people in the town.

The county council-owned building was boarded up as it was considered unsafe for either the general public or the volunteers to use. Bad weather was the final straw for the building, as the roof needed major repairs and rainwater was leaking into the centre, causing trouble with the electricity.

Their problems were solved in the short term by the South Downs Association for Disabled People.

ÒThey were really good to us and offered us a home, but then their landlord refused them a new lease and we both had to leave,Ó said Mrs Liebmann.

Since then, Petersfield people have had to travel to places as far away as Horndean and Waterlooville to receive appropriate medical services, but this can now stop with the hope of a permanent new home.