A housing association has officially closed a flood-hit sheltered housing scheme in Thirsk after the last remaining residents were found alternative homes.
In 2019, following a series of flood events and near misses in previous years, Broadacres decided to cease new lettings at its Gillings Court sheltered housing scheme in Thirsk.
Since this time, the association says it has managed the soft closure of the scheme, working with the residents and their families to find alternative accommodation.
This has included other homes in and around Thirsk or elsewhere in North Yorkshire.
Earlier this year the number of remaining residents reduced below a level that Broadacres and residents were happy with, and in July the decision was taken to decommission and close the scheme and seek a new use for the site.
Since then, the staff at Broadacres have been working with the remaining residents to manage this process.
Helen Fielding, Broadacres’ director of development and investment, said: “Due to the age, design and condition of Gillings Court, coupled with the future threat and impact from a flood, it was impossible to improve the quality of the existing scheme to a standard that would meet the aspirations of our customers.
“After deciding to cease lettings and then ultimately close Gillings Court, we kept the residents and their families fully informed throughout, understanding and respecting their wish to remain in their homes for as long as was feasible.
“We are pleased to report that now all residents have been safely moved from the scheme and supported into their new homes.
“Our teams have worked pro-actively and closely with our customers, their families and support networks to manage these moves sensitively and with respect.
“The building is now empty and been decommissioned and secured and we are responsibly considering the future of the site, with a particular emphasis on securing its previous use as retirement living accommodation.”
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