POLITICIANS and community leaders have pledged their support for the Mail’s campaign to save Elizabeth Court.
The sheltered housing complex, in Brough Road, Winshill, is under threat of closure by owner Anchor Trust, which says it would cost too much money to bring the building up to modern standards.
Peter Haynes, former Staffordshire County Council member for Horninglow and Eton, officially opened the complex in 1978, and attended a ceremony to mark its 30th anniversary two years ago.
He told the Mail: “I’m appalled by this and I think it’s got to be saved. I’ve been up to Elizabeth Court several times and everyone is happy there. They don’t want to go anywhere else.
“Anchor Trust should get their finger out and get it sorted. They may have to put some money in but they should look at it as an investment for the future. What price do you put on an elderly person’s life? “Elderly people have paid their whack into society and it’s high time society gave them something back. I am definitely supporting the Mail’s campaign.” Ian North, from Winshill Parish Council, said the authority was backing the Mail’s campaign, and was seeking talks with Anchor Trust.
He condemned the trust for its lack of consultation with residents and claimed Winshill members on East Staffordshire Borough Council had been sent a letter informing them of the meeting on its future — but didn’t receive it until the day after the meeting.
He said: “We are very disappointed to hear about the closure of Elizabeth Court. It is the only sheltered housing complex in Winshill and we sincerely hope that Anchor will think again.
“This is going to be devastating for a lot of residents, who saw Elizabeth Court as a lovely place to see out the rest of their lives. Many people will face having to move out of Winshill, in some cases having lived here all their lives.
“We are delighted the Mail is launching a campaign to save Elizabeth Court and we support it wholeheartedly. We think it’s something that will capture the imagination of everyone in Winshill.” Councillor North said the council was seeking to facilitate a meeting between Anchor and any other social landlord interested in taking over the running of Elizabeth Court as a going concern.
