Councillor Lesley Salter, was the special guest this Tuesday at the official opening of the sheltered communal hall recently refurbished by South Essex Homes.

The formal opening of the hall at Bradfordbury, Southend on Sea, was attended by over 40 sheltered residents from the area and South Essex Homes staff including representation from Main Building Maintenance Services who carried out the work. For the full press release please visit our website.

Councillor Lesley Salter, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing and Councillor for the Belfairs Ward was joined by one of the oldest resident of the scheme, Doris Gunn, 91, who jointly cut the ribbon in front of eager residents waiting to use the new facilities, which include new kitchen with eye-level oven and separate hob; fully accessible toilet facilities; new heating system; replacement windows and doors and full redecoration.

She said; “I am honored to be here to open the scheme which is for the benefit of all residents, I am sure you will agree it looks lovely and I hope it is enjoyed for social events in the future”.

Doris, who has lived at the scheme for 23 years added, “ It really does look lovely we are all very pleased, we can now hold coffee mornings here, card games and have a Bingo session here tonight. Hopefully it will encourage more people to come together to hold events”.

There are approximately 76 sheltered units at Bradfordbury/Rothwell Close and South Essex Homes are also currently undertaking works to refurbish Westwood (a sheltered housing scheme located opposite the new communal hall) into an extra care scheme which will house a further 15 residents who require extra care housing.

Malcom Ives, 87,who has lived at the scheme for 35 years, said “ Me and my wife love living here and have never wanted to move. It is a really nice place to live and the recently refurbished hall has given the scheme a new lease of life”.

If you are interested in living in one of the sheltered schemes managed by South Essex Homes please contact 0800 833160.