WINSFORD’S NeuroMuscular Centre (NMC) is looking forward to a future expansion following a land deal and donations from local councillors.

Under a new agreement with Cheshire West and Chester Council, the centre will expand into a larger site following the demolition of the former Woodford Lodge High School this year.

CWAC has renewed the lease on the larger site for 25 years on a peppercorn rent.

A £50,000 project to create an independent access, fence their enlarged site and improve street lighting has been completed by the NMC with the help of £30,000 grants from CWaC and donations from councillors’ budgets.

Winsford councillors Lynda Jones, Don Beckett, Pam Booher, Tom Blackmore and Brian Clarke all donated.

NMC’s chief executive, Matthew Lanham, said: “We are very grateful for the support of Cheshire West and Chester and our local councillors.

“We are a growing charity with aspirations and have the opportunity to extend our operation.

“Our physio treatment facilities are currently operated at capacity but we have a three year strategic plan to expand.”

The centre has been operating for 24 years, gaining a nationwide reputation for providing specialist care for people suffering the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy.

It provides physio for 700 registered patients and has created employment for 15 people – 12 with muscular dystrophy – within a design and print service.

Costing £800,000 a year to operate, the NMC relies on fund raising events.

Over and Dene councillor, Lynda Jones, said: “This is a wonderful facility which is unique in Europe and something everyone in Winsford can be proud of.

“I am delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council has been able to provide the additional land which will enable NMC to expand their service to people who have muscular dystrophy.”