RESIDENTS PERFORM OFFICIAL HOMES OPENING

Published by webmaster for Bridge Group, The in Communities

A family enjoying a new lease of life thanks to a development of affordable bungalows in Middlesbrough, took centre stage as the scheme was officially opened.

Gail Threadgill, 42, husband Neil, 43, and eight-year-old son Jack are among the new residents at Tregarth Close, Saltersgill, a development of 18 bungalows built by Affinity Sutton on behalf of William Sutton Housing  Association.

Neil has MS and is in a wheelchair, while Gail has an hereditary condition affecting the muscles.

On Tuesday (March 13th) the family helped cut the ribbon at the site alongside Kerry Pollard, chair of the board at William Sutton Housing Association (to become William Sutton Homes from April 1).

Mrs Threadgill said: “We are delighted with the new bungalow and were really honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening.

“I have lived on the estate all my life, and have seen many changes over the years. But the sense of community has remained the same.

“Many residents have lived here for decades and I am so pleased to be able to stay on the estate in our new home, which is better suited to our needs.”

The new bungalows have replaced nine older style one-bedroom and bedsit bungalows at the site, which were no longer popular with tenants.

The new residents also include Saltersgill stalwarts Peter and Brenda Smart.

Mr Smart has lived on the estate since 1940, and married Brenda, a fellow resident, in 1960.

He said: “We have always loved living here and are made up with the new bungalow. We had previously been living in a larger house, but are delighted with the quality and finish of the new home, and it is great to have so many familiar faces around us.”

William Sutton Housing Association has provided affordable homes in Middlesbrough since the 1930s and owns and manages more than 500 homes at Saltersgill.

The new homes are the latest in a series of estate improvements, including new planting and garden fencing, traffic calming and new doors and windows to existing homes.

Lisa Russell, regional manager for William Sutton Housing Association, said: “These new homes have been developed to help meet local housing needs. All offer easy access and some have been specially-adapted for wheelchair users.

“A number of the former residents of the site have now moved back into the new homes and others have come from larger properties which no longer suit their needs.

“This, in turn, has freed up larger family homes on the estate for which there is also demand.”

The £1.6m scheme has taken less than 12 months to complete.

Ends

Press release issued: March 16 2007