Concern sheltered housing residents could be forced out of homes

There is concern elderly tenants in a sheltered housing complex in Perthshire may be forced out of their homes.

One of Scotland’s largest housing associations is reviewing its very sheltered housing services, including Almond Place, Cameron Court and Tay Place in Comrie.

Caledonia Housing Association’s Housing Services and Support manager Jenna Kennedy has written to tenants informing them it wants “to ensure that any service we provide is fair, affordable and that we are able to continue supporting tenants in the years ahead”.

The letter, dated May 21, was issued to tenants in its Comrie sheltered housing complex, as well as to those at Canal Street, Perth and Corrie Place, Scone.

There are 48 one-bedroomed bungalows, flats at the Comrie complex which includes facilities such as a residents’ lounge, dining room, laundry and garden.

The housing association is hosting a meeting with tenants in Comrie and their families on June 10 in the scheme’s communal lounge to hear their views as part of its consultation.

A former community councillor described the situation as “horrendous”.

Gillian Brock – who is a mobile hairdresser and part-time carer – said: “Several residents in Cameron Court /Tay Place and Almond Place have asked me to help them regarding their future at the above addresses.

“The future of Caledonian Housing is under review. It is horrendous for them to be worrying if they will have a roof over their heads in their time in life.”

She added: “We as a village can’t lie down to this, not only for the residents now but for any of us who may wish to use this sheltered housing complex in the future.”

Two local Strathearn ward councillors are also concerned.

On hearing about the review, Bailie Rhona Brock (Independent) and SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson met with Cameron Court tenant June Brown on Tuesday evening, who spoke on behalf of the six Cameron Court tenants.

Cllr Donaldson said: “In Comrie, the review covers Tay Place and Almond Place, where there some 40 tenants. That is the part covered under the review of sheltered housing.

“Right now, our main concern relates to the very sheltered housing at Cameron Court. Both of us on our visit were impressed immensely by the quality of the premises, and the facilities that are available, including a beautiful internal garden. It is also a very happy community.

“The tenants are elderly but are looked after well and the staff do a quite excellent job.

“Our concerns at this stage relate to three main things:

“Cameron Court normally has 11 tenants. At present there are only six. Several of the flats have remained empty for many months. Why is that?

“The review letter was sent out on May 21 but from what we understand it has been going on for longer than that. Moreover, the Q&A papers refer to the timeline. We now understand that the decision will be made by the board of Caledonia [Housing Association] in August.

“However, it may not be fully completed until next year. What matters here for elderly tenants is that they can obtain certainty as soon as possible.

“There will be a meeting of tenants on June 10. I asked for us to be allowed to attend this meeting. If that is not possible and, right now, I have been told it is not, we certainly would want to meet with officers from Caledonia in the very near future.”

Caledonia Housing Association has stressed no decisions have been made as yet and that the review is at a very early stage.

A spokesperson for Caledonia Housing Association said: “Caledonia Housing Association is currently reviewing its Very Sheltered Housing services in Perthshire, including Cameron Court, Crieff.

“As tenant needs and the wider housing, care and support landscape continue to evolve, we are reviewing how the service operates to help ensure it continues to meet tenants’ current and future needs.

“No decisions have been made regarding the future of these services, and tenant feedback will play an important role in informing any next steps.

“We have been in contact with our Very Sheltered tenants to explain that a review is under way and have provided supporting information on the background to the review. Consultation is currently taking place, including forthcoming meetings involving tenants and their families and/or representatives.”