Blind Veterans UK opens new centre after major move

A charity which cares for blind former service personnel has opened a new centre at an "incredible" site in Sussex.

The Blind Veterans UK building, in Rustington, has officially opened after the charity left its previous site in Ovingdean.

The Rustington centre will house permanent residents as well as offering holiday accommodation for veterans.

Lesley Garven, the centre's manager, told BBC Radio Sussex: "We’ve made it far more accessible for our veterans."

The former location in Ovingdean was "pretty iconic" as it was purpose-built in the shape of an aeroplane.

But, Ms Garven said, its layout proved to be "quite difficult" for veterans to walk around.

"It served its purpose," she said.

The new building was previously used by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Ms Garven said a "huge amount of work" has been done to transform the property.

She added: "Its a modern building, it’s really accessible for our members and they are really enjoying it."

The centre currently has seven permanent residents.

Ms Garven said: "Rustington has been incredibly welcoming, so thank you for that."

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