A MENTAL health recovery unit which opened its doors less than two years ago was forced to shut.

Miller Court in Ledbury Road, Hereford was first opened in October 2016 to provide nursing and residential care for people recovering from mental health illnesses who were ready to leave hospital or formal care but needed further support.

The purpose-built 14-bedroom facility was funded through a Big Issue investment loan and run by the charity Herefordshire Mind.

But in March of this year it was closed and the building was put up for sale. Herefordshire Mind said that very shortly further news will be released on the future use of the building.

Mark Waller, chairman of the board of trustees of Herefordshire Mind, said “a changing and challenging commissioning landscape” resulted in the tough decision to close the centre.

He said: “Big Issue Invest remain committed supporters of the charitable aims of Herefordshire Mind and the eventual disposal of the building will be concluded in close consultation with them.

“In considering options for the disposal of the building we of course seek to honour our financial obligations to them.”

He said they worked closely with the respective commissioning organisations to consult residents, their families and carers and found appropriate alternative accommodation, with minimum disruption to residents.

Mr Waller added: “Our residents only left Miller Court once we’d found them suitable alternative homes, and our staff continued to provide the same level of high-quality and safe care to those residents in the consultation period to help prepare them for the next phase of their recovery.”