Vulnerable residents face uncertain future (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Vulnerable residents face uncertain future

4:55pm Thursday 9th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

THE FUTURE is still looking uncertain for vulnerable residents facing imminent eviction from a homeless shelter in London Colney.

Ridgeview Lodge is due to close its doors in September - one month behind schedule - but 25 residents, including five pensioners, as well as four families, are still living there.

St Albans District Council promised to resettle all 64 residents within a year when it rubber stamped its controversial plans to close the shelter, which provides temporary accommodation for homeless people, in September last year.

But while the majority of tenants have been rehoused, five residents are still without permanent accommodation.

The council says if no suitable property becomes available other temporary hostel accommodation will be provided by the closing date, which has been extended to September 1.

Leader of the Labour party Roma Mills insisted there is inadequate provision for homeless people in the district, demonstrated by the extensive task of rehousing Ridgeview residents.

She said: "It's taking a long time because accommodation isn't out there and we know that. This is why I'm so concerned that in closing Ridgeview we are not providing a similar amount of accommodation.

"I'm less concerned for families than the single people. I have no doubt that families will be rehoused, but sorting out suitable accommodation for single people will be more difficult.

"I'm pleased we are getting rid of Ridgeview, but I'm not satisfied we are providing sufficient accommodation to provide a real safety net for people."

So far, 11 residents have been offered independent accommodation with floating support, and three elderly residents will move into retirement housing before the planned closure.

Six residents with specific needs, including two over the age of 60, have been offered supported accommodation.

The Review has asked the council to clarify what, if any, alternative housing provisions are in place for homeless families.

Former residents have moved into sheltered or affordable housing, private rented accommodation, and other supported housing schemes in the district with the offer of floating support if required.

The Review is awaiting a response from St Albans District Council.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)