Sheltered housing policy changed

More elderly people will be applying to move into Cannock Chase Council-run sheltered accommodation after housing policy was changed.

Before April this year, any elderly residents with more than £80,000 of equity in their home were disqualified from applying. That equity limit has now been scrapped, meaning that all homeowners over 60 can apply.

The council runs four sheltered accommodation schemes in the district at Caxton Court and Longford Court in Cannock, St Barbara's House in Rugeley and Grace Moor Court in Chadsmoor.

Residents at Grace Moor Court were full of praise for their scheme. Beatrice White, aged 84, who has lived at Grace Moor since June 2007, said: "You get the best of both worlds really.

"You can be on your own and get a bit of privacy in your flat, or you can meet up with your friends. I've made some great friends here, I can tell you. We call ourselves The Golden Girls."

New girl Pamela Lockwood moved into Grace Moor in April.

The 69-year-old said: "I didn't really feel that safe when I was living on my own. Here, I am so safe and secure. I'm really enjoying being here."

Scheme manager Sue Butler has been looking after the needs of residents at Grace Moor Court for 11 years.

She said: "There's a real family atmosphere here and, to be honest, I see the residents very much as my extended family. We have bingo nights, quizzes, video nights and entertainment. We're one big family."

Councillor Ann Bernard, Cannock Chase Council housing leader, said: "The equity limit was a real barrier to many elderly people who have been interested in moving into council sheltered accommodation."

For information on applying for a place in sheltered accommodation, call the council on 01543 462621.