Home closure shock for residents of supported living scheme in Wisbech

More than 30 disabled, elderly, and vulnerable people are facing losing their homes after a housing association announced it was closing a set of flats.

Housing 21, which acquired Somers Court in Wisbech two years ago, says they have no choice but to close the independent living residential care home off Somers Road because the properties do not meet the required standards.

Residents were told of the planned closure in a meeting with Housing 21 representatives last week but a spokesperson for them said it had come as a total shock.

She said: “This is our home and it is very distressing that we are being forced to move out. We have been told they are planning to close Somers Court in the next six months and have told us we need to find alternative accommodation.

“But we are a community, we are like family, and we would ideally like to stay together, but that is not going to be possible. My partner has his own flat and I’m worried that we will not be able to find someone suitable for both of us.”

However, a spokesperson for Housing 21 said: “Housing 21 acquired Somers Court from Clarion Housing in 2023. At the time of acquisition, it was clear that the building did not meet contemporary standards or Decent Homes Standards, having four shared bathing facilities between 38 flats.”

The resident said: “Originally they told us they were planning to put wet rooms in our toilets but they have now changed their minds.”

She said residents pay around £1,000 a month and that includes bills and also three meals a day.

The woman said the oldest resident is 97 and has been extremely upset by the news as she had moved into Somers Court thinking it would be her final home.

Housing 21’s spokesperson added: “As a leading not-for-profit provider of extra care and retirement living, we are committed to providing safe, quality, and affordable homes to older people of modest means.

“Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to close the site with the intention of building a new, purpose-built social rented scheme with fully self-contained apartments offering independent living for older people. “

He said the association’s representatives had outlined the financial support available to the residents. Payments to cover moving costs will also be paid and he said they will continue to visit the housing scheme regularly to support the residents as they search for alternative homes.

“Our priority now is to ensure the existing residents are well supported during this time and we will work with them and their advocates individually to help find suitable alternative housing, working in partnership with the Fenland District Council and all other relevant partner agencies.”

However, the resident said no one from Fenland had attended the meeting where the closure was announced, despite the fact they were invited.

She concluded: “Housing 21 hasn't given us an exact date for the closure, but they have told us to go on the Homelink site and start bidding for alternative accommodation. It is all so stressful and we feel very upset by this decision.”