A NEW £1.4million respite care centre for children has finally been completed in Basingstoke.

The new centre, called Firvale, has been built near Basingstoke hospital and replaces the old children's respite care homes at Erdesley House and The Long House.

It will soon be welcoming its first residents with complex health needs and learning disabilities.

Previously, Basingstoke hospital provided care for children with complex health needs at Erdesley House, in Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke.

And Hampshire County Council's social services provided social care beds for youngsters with severe learning disabilities and behavioural problems at The Long House, in Verdi Close, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke.

Firvale has been a collaborative project between the hospital and social services.

The new building will provide day care and residential care. It has five social care beds and four health care beds.

Mary Edwards, the hospital's chief executive, said: "It is really exciting to have the completion of a very important project for the care of these children.

"We all look forward to seeing the building in use and would particularly like to thank all the families who have supported this project throughout its planning, design and build."

First published: Wednesday, March 22, 2006