Committees see the Changing World of Sheltered Housing

Published by Michael Ord for South Tyneside Homes in Housing and also in Communities

A recently refurbished sheltered accommodation in South Shields has played host to two of South Tyneside Homes’ Service Committees.

Members of both the Great Services Committee and Great Homes in Great Places Committee visited Prince Edward Court in South Shields to meet some of the tenants. They enjoyed a walkabout to view for themselves the recent Decent Homes refurbishments carried out to the accommodation by the company’s own Property Services workforce.

Senior officers from the company showed Councillors Jim Foreman and Joyce Welsh and Co-Optees Harry Winship and Judith Ramsay the DDA colour coordinated corridors and doors, the newly refurbished communal lounge, laundry room and quiet room, explaining the full scheme of works that have recently been completed on behalf of South Tyneside Council.

Councillor Jim Foreman, Chair of the Great Services Committee and the Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Transport said, “It’s great for the Committee members to come out and visit the homes of the people who really count – the tenants themselves. I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the residents here for the way they have welcomed us into their homes. Seeing the work that the Decent Homes Team has done is really impressive. The residents are over the moon with the end results, and also with the team that carried them out - which is testament to the efforts of South Tyneside Homes.”

These sentiments were echoed by Councillor Joyce Welsh, Chair of the Great Homes in Great Places Committee, who added: “I’m absolutely impressed. It has beautiful features and a very personal touch.”

Co-Optees Harry Winship and Judith Ramsay were clearly delighted to see the accommodation, with Judith saying: “You feel like you’re at home as soon as you come in,” and Harry declaring the scheme to be the equivalent of a four star hotel.

After the walkabout officers from the company’s Sheltered Housing Team gave the Committees a presentation highlighting the exciting changes that are already ongoing in the schemes throughout the borough.

Housing Director John Musson said: “It’s important that the members of the service committees see for themselves the way that tenants’ lives are being improved by the joined up approach the company is adopting. The finished product has been the result of great cooperation between Property Services, Asset Management - the Sheltered Housing Officers on site and South Tyneside Council.”

For further information about South Tyneside Homes please visit www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk