Sheltered homes refit is on track

Lido House in Grotton . . . due to be completed by the end of January

The country’s biggest improvement scheme for older people’s bungalows and flats has been undergoing its own improvements.

The Housing 21 refurbishment and rebuilding of all Oldham’s sheltered housing got off to a shaky start in 2007 when tenants opposed the plans and pensioners were left out of their homes for months on end.

But now the private finance initiative (PFI) scheme is back on track, and by February, seven of the 19 schemes will be completed, officers say.

Four more schemes will be started next year and the bungalow programme has always been ahead of schedule, according to Kath Miller, the PFI operations manager.

But her report, which has been reviewed by the council’s Performance and Value for Money Select Committee, also warns that pressures on empty council houses in Oldham — where there is a waiting list of 11,000 — could cause problems.

The pool of empty properties to which tenants can chose to move during refurbishments will be more limited.

Tenants also need more help and information about their new heating and electrical systems, she added.

The scheme started badly with pensioners in Royton threatening court action against Oldham Council because they opposed the scheme.

Then pensioners in Holland Close, Delph, aged 65 to 95, spent a miserable Christmas in temporary accommodation while their homes underwent massive refurbishments.

Originally, they were told work would be completed in autumn, 2007, then after Christmas, before they began returning to their homes in March, 2008.

Now 25 new action points should mean tenants get better information and continuity when their homes are being worked on, and tenants all get the chance to fill in satisfaction survey after they return home.

Ms Hill said: “A significant challenge is the 100 per cent decant and temporary move programme required for all properties due to the extensive nature of the works.

“These challenges are increased by the vulnerable client group of elderly tenants, many of whom have care needs, and aids and adaptations to their homes.

“This project is the first time nationally a refurbishment programme of this size has undergone a 100 per cent decant of elderly tenants.”


Schemes update
Schemes completed in 2008 are Holland Close, Delph, and School House flats, Hollinwood, while Trinity House and Walton House, Failsworth, should be finished soon. Tandle View in Whittaker Street, Royton, and Lido House at Grotton are due for completion in January/February.

Four more schemes are under refurbishment: Wood Square, Greenfield, Hopwood Court, High Crompton, Aster House, Oldham, and Charles Morris House, Failsworth.