A 97-year-old pensioner looks forward to house warming party thanks to Derwentside Homes

A ninety-seven-year-old pensioner, who was moved into sheltered accommodation while her home was being transformed into a modern new apartment, is delighted with the results.

Former pianist and entertainer Betty French is looking forward to entertaining her family and friends in her new home, which is situated at Haven House sheltered court in Plantation Street, Leadgate.

Now, Derwentside Homes is inviting members of the public to find out more about two state-of-the-art apartments which are available to rent at an opening event to be held at Haven House over the next fortnight.

Anyone interested in renting an apartment can apply for the two remaining two bed or one bed apartments in March.

The opening event commemorates an ongoing £2.1 million investment programme aimed at bringing seven sheltered housing courts up to a modern standard over a two year period.

Members of the public are invited to look around a two-bed show apartment at Haven House from today, until Saturday, February 20 between 1 p m and 4 p m; and again from Monday, February 22 to Friday, February 26 between 1pm and 4pm.

As part of the investment programme, Haven House and Magdalene Court in Manor Road in Medomsley have been totally transformed from bedsit-style accommodation into modern one and two bedroom apartments.

The schemes have been updated to reflect current lifestyles and promote independent living for the over ‘55s. Many of the courts have benefited from refurbishment work including a wet room and multi-functional room used by a hairdresser or chiropodist and a state-of-the-art IT suite.

Angela Hodgson, Older Person’s Services Manager for Derwentside Homes, said: “We are very excited about the imminent completion of these schemes and the standard is going to be really high.

“Haven House has been completely transformed from bed sit accommodation which resembled a rabbit warren to being more akin to a hotel.

“There’s good quality fencing around the scheme with views overlooking the bowling pavilion and landscape gardens

“There are 16 existing tenants who are due to move back into Haven House at the end of April, with three more apartments available to rent. Anyone interested in renting an apartment, who aren’t successful, can apply for Magdalene Court, in Medomsley due for completion next year and to the same standard they really are going to be fantastic.”

Five other schemes including Derwentdale Court at Blackhill, Delight Court at Dipton, Stanley Court at East Stanley, Towneley court in central Stanley and Oakwood Court at Catchgate are currently being refurbished through a programme of works including upgrades to communal areas and individual flats.

The project marks a move away from the traditional image of warden controlled accommodation and detailed plans were drawn up following an in-depth consultation period with tenants.

The flats have been kitted out with new bathrooms and kitchens and an upgraded communal washing/drying area and modern up to date wet rooms, new lounge furniture and carpets.

A new CCTV door entry system have been fitted in the five courts which will mean tenants can look at their own TV screens to see who’s at the main entrance door.
Haven House and Magdalene Court will have all of the above as well as a lovely landscaped garden area with an exercise path and motorised scooter storage.

• Anyone interested in an apartment at Haven House can contact Helen Bardwell on 01207 524329 who will assist them in registering for the Durham Key Options Choice Based Lettings Scheme, so they can bid when the properties are advertised in March.