KEETCH MEETS DISRAELI COURT RESIDENTS OVER RE-HOUSING

12.21.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 4th Aug 2005

Hereford's MP Paul Keetch met residents of Hereford's Disraeli Court last night to discuss the impending demolition of the building. With him was Tony Jaques, Chief Executive of Herefordshire Housing Limited, Richard Gabb and Stephanie Canham of Herefordshire Council's Housing and Social Services Departments, and a representative of Age Concern.

The meeting came after many of the Disraeli Court residents, their relatives and carers contacted Paul Keetch with concerns about the proposed demolition of the property planned for approximately 2 years time. The authorities feel that residents should be individually housed but Paul Keetch is backing the residents' wishes that they should be rehoused in one larger unit if possible to remain as the community they are.

"I was glad that both Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Housing were able to see the strength of feeling that exists from residents and relatives wishing that they should be moved as one complete unit", said Mr Keetch.

"As they get on with each other so well, a view was expressed that their health could suffer if they were individually housing and be taken out of their present environment entirely. There are currently 27 residents at Disraeli. The demolition could well coincide with the new development at Ledbury Road for extra care facilities which should have space for up to 50 people. It seems to me that the authorities have a responsibility to the residents at Disraeli Court and their welfare so if possible they should all be rehoused at this new facility, or housed in a new building if necessary, which I understand might be another option on land already in the ownership of Herefordshire Housing.

"Officers from the Council and Herefordshire Housing accepted that this should be the "aspiration" they will work towards - and I will be closely looking at developments to see that this "aspiration" is met.

"I have agreed to meet residents and relatives again in three months - I hope officers will too," Mr Keetch stated.

ENDS