A BLACK Country couple have created a haven for people suffering with allergies and respiratory problems in Brierley Hill.

Zoe Ness and David Hetherington's new venture, The Salt Cave, offers dry aerosol halotherapy - a natural treatment which involves inhaling tiny salt particles.

It is one of seven across the UK and simulates the natural salt cave microclimate and uses the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties of salt.

Numerous studies carried out in Europe suggest that it is an effective drug-free treatment for asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinusitis and many other respiratory and skin conditions, as well as the hereditary disorder cystic fibrosis.

Clinic manager, Zoe, from Kingswinford, has suffered with asthma since childhood but said her health had improved since she started using salt therapy.

“Four years ago I started getting frequent chest infections and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis," she said.

“I was really breathless and could barely manage to climb stairs. I was in and out of hospital on a regular basis.

“Two years ago I started having salt therapy and it made a massive difference to my life."

The 37-year-old continued: "I went for treatment a couple of times a week and after three weeks I noticed a huge improvement in my breathing.

“I haven’t been in hospital at all since I started salt therapy and I’ve been discharged by my consultant."

Zoe was keen to share the benefits of salt therapy, but as the nearest Salt Cave was 75 miles away in Milton Keynes, she decided to open her own.

She teamed up with her partner David, from Stourbridge, who built the clinic on The Waterfront East, which resembles an igloo inside.

It took 14 weeks to construct and David, aged 34, said it was "extremely challenging" transforming the former Imperial Cantonese Restaurant into the Salt Cave but added: "It was really rewarding and we've had lots of very positive feedback on the quality of the build and layout of the caves.

"The treatment itself has already improved the quality of life to many people."

To celebrate the launch, the couple are offering people a free trial halotherapy treatment.

Treatments can be booked by calling 01384 686777.