Somerset Council called in to meet worried Abbeyfield residents

Responding to news that two sheltered housing schemes in Wellington could close, Gideon Amos - the local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate - has brought in Somerset Council to meet residents.

Abbeyfield Society representatives met tenants of Ivy House at Corams Lane and The Old Vicarage in High Street last week to say that they were being made the subject of a consultation.

Mr Amos visited both schemes on Friday with Cllr Dean Ruddle, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care.

Mr Amos said afterwards: “Abbeyfield should think again about these proposals.

“It would be totally wrong for the home life and peace of mind of residents to be disrupted through the possible closure of these housing schemes.

“At the very least they should give a reasons why alternative accommodation is not on offer and I’ve written to Abbeyfield asking them”.

“It’s clear from the discussions I’ve had with residents after they contacted me for help, how distressing this news from Abbeyfield has been for them, but they’re a determined group and are standing up impressively for themselves

“I was pleased to be able to bring in Cllr Ruddle to meet those affected with me on site so he could report back on behalf of the council and discuss ways of helping.

“I’m determined Abbeyfield is fully held to account for its decisions and that, by working with our councillor team, we ensure residents get the support they need, and that we identify the best way to safeguard the future for residents. Our visit was just the start of that work.”

Brian Standring, who has lived in Ivy House since 2017, said the residents had appreciated the visit.

“The meeting went very well,” he added. “It’s important that people can see inside Ivy House and how independent living is undertaken here.

Mr Standring described the current situation as “extremely worrying.”

Janet Hazelwood of The Old Vicarage said: “There’s nowhere else for me to go in Wellington so I’m staying put.

“We’re so grateful to Gideon for bringing Somerset Council on board – without them, I’m only a small voice but, by working together, we can be a big voice”.

Cllr Ross Henley, whose Somerset Council ward includes The Old Vicarage, said: “I want Abbeyfield to rethink and drop possible plans for the closure of The Old Vicarage and Ivy House.

“These are people’s homes and the present uncertainty around the future of these sites is causing great stress to residents and their families.”

A petition opposing any possible closure was launched last Tuesday and has already been signed by more than 650 people.