Residents must move as homes set to close

THREE Devon sheltered accommodation facilities are closing, with residents left to find new living arrangements.

Abbeyfield Living Society’s sites in Hartley, Plymstock and Ivybridge will be axed after a failed rescue bid.

Both residents and personnel learned of the organisation’s plans during a series of meetings this week, marking the end of almost a year adrift whilst discussions ensued. Abbeyfield has ultimately made the choice to put the properties on the market.

Despite this, it was stated that current residents can stay put until they secure new situations, which means some could stay for months to come.

Nick Dyke, a resident at Burtons House in Plymstock, expressed his frustration, saying he felt both “numb and angry” upon hearing the closure news. Mr Dyke has consulted legal and housing professionals asserting there is protection for occupants like himself who have short-term renewable leases.

He told the website PlymouthLive: “I shall refuse to leave. I have waited 11 months for this decision, they can wait 11 months for me to find somewhere else suitable. I’m going no place, no time soon. I’m going to fight on – I will go down with this ship.”

The residents, many aged in their 80s and 90s, were told in May last year that the future of Burtons House, Abbeyfield House, in Hartley; and Treehill Road in Ivybridge, were being put under consultation. Initially they were told they would know their fate by the end of July, but then they heard a decision would be taken in November, then it became January, then February and finally they learned the outcome this week.

In a letter to residents at Plymstock, Abbeyfield’s director of housing Theresa Wilson wrote that it is “with regret” that the home will close. She wrote: “The decision follows an extensive consultation process, during which we have listened carefully to representations made by residents, relatives, and staff, and spoken to a variety of stakeholders about the different options available to try and keep the home open and serving its community.”

She said Abbeyfield had been in talks with local authorities, national and regional housing providers and “interested parties”. But she said that the homes were no longer “a financially sustainable service that is fit for purpose in the future”.

She wrote: “I understand this is very upsetting news for you and everyone living and working at the home. As a charity this is not a decision we have taken lightly as we never want to close any of our homes and only do so when we know there is no other option.”