Petition launched to save Fenland village's sheltered flats as elderly residents told to move out
Nine elderly residents, some who are in their nineties, are having to move out of their social housing flats after owners claimed there was a fall in demand for "this type of sheltered accommodation".
The grand daughter of one of the residents at Roman Court in Leverington said her Nan, who is in her 80s, is deeply upset and stressed at the thought of moving out of the flat she has called home for the past five years.
Kirsty Lakey has launched an online petition in a bid to save the sheltered flats which are owned by social housing group Clarion, who said they want to replace them with houses.
She said: "When my Nan wanted to move into the flats four or five years ago she had to go on a waiting list, they were really popular. Now there are a lot empty flats, which is a real shame, and Clarion have told the parish council that they need a lot of money spending on them.
"But the residents not only pay to live at Roman Court they also pay maintenance fees.
"I believe the reason they need a lot spending on them is because Clarion have left the flats empty when people leave and have just left them to rot.
"I have been told by one councillor that Clarion are saying it needs to spend £200,000 on the roof. But if you went in my Nan's flat you would not believe there was anything wrong.
"It is lovely and she loves the independent living it gives her while still being part of a community. The residents all get together in the communal area, and look out for each other. My Nan has lived in the village nearly her whole life, but Clarion are offering her and the other residents alternative accommodation in the centre of Wisbech.
"It is not the same, the places they are offering are Onyx Court, Somers Court or Boyden Court and they are not like Roman Court. My Nan has her own kitchen and can make her own meals, these places have communal dining, and even communal showers, she would be losing her independence and is being forced away from her friends and family."
Kirsty feels that Clarion are 'bullying' the residents into leaving their homes and said her Nan is deeply upset at the prospect.
"There have been a lot of letters from Clarion to the residents, and it feels like they are pressuring people to make a decision and move out as quickly as possible," said Kirsty, who hopes by raising awareness of the problem there will be enough support to force Clarion to change its mind.
"If these flats go then there will be no similar social housing in this area. Not everyone wants to live in the middle of town. We were told Nan could put in for a bungalow, but she can only have a one-bedroom one and there is very limited availability.
"It is heartbreaking what is happening, and I really hope we can convince Clarion to change their mind."
A spokesman for Clarion said: “Clarion made the decision to close Roman Court after careful consultation with Fenland District Council and all of the current residents.
"There is falling demand for this type of sheltered accommodation and we will be re-providing new affordable homes, which are much needed in the community.
“All nine of the residents have been supported every step of the way through the consultation. Four are in the process of moving into other Clarion properties and the remaining five will be supported to move out at their own pace. In addition to being offered another Clarion home, every resident is being given a resettlement payment of over £6,000.”
Sign the petition here.
