Residents of Tarporley’s affordable retirement complex, Oathills Lea, are continuing their campaign to save the flats during the ongoing review being undertaken by the flats’ owner Weaver Vale Housing Trust.
The campaign has support from Tarporley Parish Council as well as Tarporley’s ward councillor Cllr Eveleigh Moore-Dutton.
On Saturday 20th October, a petition bearing nearly 2,000 signatures in support of saving the complex, was handed to Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s Toni Reed.
The handover took place at a consultation event at Tarporley Community Centre, organised by Tarporley Parish Council and Weaver Vale Housing Trust in response to the strength of feeling in the village about the review.
‘Save Oathills Lea’ campaigner (and a family member of a resident at Oathills Lea), Debbie Wood told us: “Residents have been told that the result of the review will be revealed later this year, but we still don’t know whether we’ll be able to keep our homes, if the building will be closed, or if renovations will take place.”
The Oathills Lea complex has 24 units, but occupancy rates are reportedly dwindling as Weaver Vale Housing Trust is not currently accepting any new applications.
In an open letter to the village this summer, residents stated: “We feel we should take some form of action before it is too late, and maybe lose our homes.
“We are all so happy here, we are like family. If, the building is closed, we will all be split up and sent to Winsford, Northwich, or who knows where.
“Some of us recently sold our homes to move to Tarporley to be near our family, now we have no idea what will happen to us in the future.
“Most of us have lived all, or most of our lives in Tarporley. The doctors, chemist, hospital and shops are on our doorstep. We are settled and very happy here and DO NOT WANT TO MOVE.”
Weaver Vale Housing Trust has told residents that the site will not be sold to a private developer, but they remain concerned that this leaves the possibility of a number of unwelcome possible outcomes.
Residents are determined not to let the complex go without a fight.
Debbie added: “We had a steady stream of people coming to the event, which was kindly arranged by Tarporley Parish Council and Weaver Vale Housing Trust, to allow the community to give their views on the provision of housing for elderly people in the local area.
“We handed over our petition, featuring nearly 2,000 signatures, to Weaver Vale Housing Trust. We still don’t know about the fate of the retirement flats complex.
“It has been put under review by Weaver Vale Housing Trust and we will find out what will happen to it by the end of this year.
“With such a strength of feeling in the local community we can only hope and pray that Weaver Vale make a good decision and save this accommodation for the future good of the village.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Weaver Vale Housing Trust said: “The trust recognises that Oathills Lea is valued and well thought of by both residents and the wider community.
“We are also aware of the concerns expressed by people within the local community.
“There is an ongoing review, for which we have been gathering our residents’ opinions on the accommodation and facilities at the scheme.
“We can categorically say that Oathills Lea will not be sold to a private developer.
“The residents at the Oathills Lea are our priority and it is our duty to provide everyone with accommodation that meets their needs, as well as those of our future customers.
“As part of this review, we will look at a number of options and work with Tarporley residents, the Parish Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council to understand what options are needed for older persons housing in the village.
“The trust will continue to hold regular meetings with residents and the parish council to keep them informed of all progress in relation to the future of Oathills Lea.”
Oathills Lea was built in the 1970s by Vale Royal Borough Council, and Weaver Vale Housing Trust took over the running of the scheme following the housing stock transfer in 2002.
The trust says it has invested significantly in improving the facilities at Oathills Lea, however, due to the age of the building it has taken the decision to carry out this review.
The trust said that the review is looking at a number of factors and needs to determine what work would be required to ensure the long-term viability of the building over the next 25 years.
The trust is expected to complete its review by the end of 2018 and will then discuss future options regarding Oathills Lea and the type of housing it provides in Tarporley.
