Heathfield home to drug scheme

Sussex Express/November 4, 2014

A former Heathfield care home will soon house a drug rehabilitation centre affiliated to The Church of Scientology, which has such famous followers as actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

Grange Court, Maynards Green, was sold by agents Savills and has been acquired by Narnacon, described as ‘a secular program, independent of Scientology which provides legitimate drug education and rehabilitation.’

The property was marketed at a guide price of £750,000 and is being refurbished. A programme spokesman said work is underway to provide 18 beds but as yet no formal opening date has been set.

Narnacon has been a registered charity since 1974, starting life in the USA. Although it has garnered controversy, the organisation says mainstream medicine is ‘biased’ against it.

Local people have given the centre a guarded welcome. A staff member at the nearby Runt in Tun pub said: “I’m pleased. It’s good to see the building is being used. Local feeling is so far good. They have been very open about it all and talked to us.”

Businessman and former parish councillor Mike Woodhouse, who lives almost opposite, agreed and added: “Any scheme that helps people get off drugs has got to be positive.” Michael Cousins from Horam said: “This has been bubbling away for several months. We wondered if someone had got the wrong end of the stick when we heard that Scientology had bought it. I think it was formerly used for people with learning difficulties. They will have to do a lot of work to the building but if it helps people with problems then we await the outcome with interest.”

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