Opening day for trust’s supported homes scheme
A SUPPORTED housing scheme in Widnes described as ‘ luxury’ by project backers has been officially opened.
Halton mayor Ged Philbin, with mayoress Ros Wong, declared Barkla Fields open.
The facility opened in April.
The Halton Housing Trust development in Dundalk Road is a mix of 50 rented, shared ownership and outright sale apartments and six adapted bungalows.
Its on-site facilities include a bistro, communal lounge, recreation rooms, office space and landscaped gardens.
Classed as ‘ extra care’ accommodation, Barkla Fields provides housing and support for the over55s, allowing them to live independently, but with access to an on-site care and support team as and when their care needs change.
A Halton Housing Trust spokeswoman said extra care developments also enable older people to enjoy a healthier, active and more independent lifestyle in a community, representing a modern alternative to a traditional care or nursing home.
Nick Atkin, the trust’s chief executive, said: “I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved here at Barkla Fields.
“The surrounding environment and the building itself is just fantastic.
“I’ve had nothing but glowing feedback from the customers living here.
“The trust aims to provide high quality accommodation, and Barkla has surpassed this in so many ways – it comes as no surprise that we’ve already sold and let all the apartments.
“Non-residents are always welcome to use the Orange Tree bistro, as well as join in the many organised activities on site.” EPISODE two of a zombie ‘sick com’ set in Runcorn has been released.
Dead Town viewers can rejoin unlikely hero John Diant and throwback sidekick 80s Dave as they search for John’s daughter, Emily, in flesheater- infested Runcorn, assisted by survivalist Butty.
The second episode catches up with the duo as evening draws in and the gang seeks refuge with 17- yearold Brittain, an agoraphobic Traveller who has never left his house.
Writer and director Pete McKeirnon said 80s Dave gives a motivational speech and everything changes, but viewers will have to watch to find out whether Brittain’s new- found sense of adventure ends in disaster or not. Based on the book Death In A Northern Town, which featured real residents who volunteered to appear in the roles of zombies, Dead Town is a three- part web series filmed on location around Runcorn.
Episode 1 was produced on a zero budget and an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign was held late last year to fund another two episodes.
Since its release, show has been the nominated for the ‘best horror short’ at Calgary Horror Con and was also an official selection for Pilot Light TV Festival.
It has also earned a 9.3/ 10 rating on the IMDb website and been listed on the British Comedy Guide.
Michael Hagen, Karl Davies and Neil Gallagher appear
lead The first two episodes available to watch on YouTube.