News

A unique rehabilitation centre for paedophiles is to close because its premises have been sold by the government for development.

A Home Office spokesperson says no decision has been taken on when the Wolvercote Clinic in Epsom, Surrey, will close its doors, but some reports suggest it could be within the next two months.

So far no alternative site has been found for the clinic. The Home Office says options are being looked at, but its preferred site in Chertsey, Surrey has met with strong resistance from local residents.

If, as seems likely, the Wolvercote closes before a new site is found, a dozen convicted paedophiles will have their treatment programmes disrupted.

The government-funded clinic provides an intensive 12-month residential treatment programme to help rehabilitate child abusers. Those who complete treatment greatly reduce their chances of reoffending.

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a child protection charity specialising in child abuse prevention, which runs the Wolvercote, said it would be disappointed if there had to be a suspension of the clinic's work.

But Eithne Wallis, director of the National Probation Service for England and Wales, said: "We have been working with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation since October last year to develop plans for that eventuality should it come about. These would ensure the treatment of existing offenders is completed in their home areas with foundation staff."