BEXLEY’S blind and disabled will get a boost this month when a new storage facility opens for them in Slade Green.

The new facility will house more than 300 different types of equipment including cutlery and adjustable hospital beds.

It will include a warehouse, assessment facilities, demonstration facilities, an equipment shop and a state-of-the-art Turbex industrial washing facility that separates items, cutting the risk of cross-infection.

The Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES), which will run the facility, provides equipment to help disabled people live at home with a degree of independence.

Some equipment is issued on a short term basis to ease the recovery period following surgery. Other equipment stays with clients for long term periods.

The ICES is funded jointly by the Bexley Council and NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group.

The ICES is currently based at Thames Road Depot, Crayford but will move to Inspire Community Trust in Whitehall Lane, Slade Green on Saturday (December 8).

Bexley Council’s cabinet member for Adult Services, Councillor Chris Taylor, said: "The service is very important as it supports the excellent work staff do to help people leave hospital as soon as they can, and to support them to live in the community."