News

The first residents have moved into Saxon Weald's new Extra Care housing scheme for older people with care and support needs at Uckfield. Walter Terry, 84, and Mary Tyler, 95, took possession of their self-contained apartments in Margaret House on Monday 1 November and are already settling in well.

 

Mrs Tyler said: “My new home is lovely and I’ve got a really nice view of the garden and the birds. I’m looking forward to sitting outside in the warmer weather.”

 

Margaret House, in Lealands Drive, is managed by the housing association Saxon Weald, working in partnership with East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and Uckfield Town Council.

Saxon Weald's Chief Executive, David Standfast, said: "Margaret House shows how good housing for older people with care and support needs can be. We're very proud to have worked with our partners on this project and would like to thank Denne Construction for an excellent job. I hope that all the new residents will be happy and comfortable in their new homes."    

Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It is marvellous news that the first residents have moved into Margaret House. This is one of several Extra Care projects in the county, which will provide modern 21^st century housing for older people who want to maintain their independence, but have support when they need it. It shows what can be achieved when different organisations work together to look after people in the local community.”

"We would like to join in welcoming Mary and Walter to Margaret House," said Councillor Johnana Howell, Cabinet member for Housing on Wealden District Council. "The new Extra Care Scheme at Uckfield is the first in Wealden and offers an exciting new approach to meeting the housing needs of the district's older residents."

The scheme consists of 39 one and two bedroom apartments, most of which are rented to people who are over 60 years old and have  personal care or support needs. Ten of the flats are for purchase. All the apartments are designed to enable residents to live independently while receiving the care they need from a professional care team, provided by Housing 21. The scheme includes a restaurant serving meals seven days a week, cooked on site by Pride Catering.