STAFF at a dale day care centre are delighted to be back in their own premises after a car crashed into their building four months ago.
Staff and clients at Phoenix Day Care, on Harmire Industrial Estate, in Barnard Castle, have had to use smaller premises since November after a car careered into the front of the premises, rendering them unusable.
Friends Michelle Cassidy, Kelly Tatt and Julie Hyam set up the adult day care centre after being made redundant by Durham County Council four years ago.
The not-for-profit organisation provides care, support and respite to adults with varying needs and abilities including dementia care, autism and learning disabilities.
As well as providing a friendly environment, the firm offers complimentary therapies, arts, crafts and other activities on a daily basis.
Initially the ladies, who have worked within the social care industry for more than 20 years, set up their business at Claire House.
They moved to their current location on the enterprise park two years ago and were building up a solid reputation in the community.
However, in November they received a surprise telephone call from the police informing them a vehicle had crashed into the front of their building.
Fresh off the plane from holiday Ms Tatt inspected the building, which still had the car and driver sticking out of it.
Amazingly they only had to close their facilities for one day while insurance companies sorted out the builders.
Ms Cassidy said: “We were lucky as we could use the building next door, but it is a lot smaller and we weren’t able to cater for as many people as usually.
“They did say we would have been back in before Christmas, but the insurance companies and builders took longer than expected.
“It was quite difficult operating as we had to move equipment back and forward every day as well. But nothing was going to keep us down.”
They were able to move back into their premises last week and have been busy welcoming clients back to their now repaired building. For more information about Phoenix Day Care and the services they provide contact 07939 681687.
