A CANCER support centre in Salisbury, which opened two years ago, is closing its doors due to low demand for its services.

The Wessex Cancer Trust run centre in Beckett House, Bridge Street, provided support and information for those whose affected by cancer including counselling and therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture, and befriending services.

It was officially opened on May 4 , 2017. A closing date has yet to be confirmed.

Announcing the decision Wessex Cancer Trust said: “It is with real sadness that we have decided to close our Salisbury support centre. Since the centre opened two years ago, the manager and volunteers have worked really hard to spread the word about the centre throughout the local community. Despite this, client numbers have remained consistently low and with the lease of the premises due to break soon, the board of trustees has taken the difficult but responsible decision to close the centre."

Wessex Cancer Trust employs two part-time members of staff and a number of volunteers at the centre and says it will be looking at options for support in the area.

It said: “We would like to thank all the staff and volunteers who have given so much of their time and effort at the centre. We assure anyone living in the town that support is available at any of our five other centres, three of which are well within a 30-mile radius of Salisbury. Although visitor numbers at the centre were consistently low, our Sing for Life choir in Salisbury has grown considerably and now offers around 80 people weekly therapeutic support through singing and peer mentoring.

"Once we have the results of our research into future cancer support needs, we will look at further options for support in the area. In the meantime, existing clients at the support centre will continue to be cared for until the end of their treatment, at which point the centre will close.”

The Sing for Life choir still welcomes new members and meets on Thursdays between 11.30am and 1.30pm at Parkwood Health and Fitness in London Road, Salisbury.

Wessex Cancer Trust is running an online survey about future cancer support in the area. Go to wessexcancer.org.uk/have-your-say-on-local-cancer-support.