Resident names new extra care housing in Trowbridge (South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats)

South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats <info@swwiltshirelibdems.org.uk>

Resident names new extra care housing in Trowbridge

October 21, 2010 7:25 AM

Mary Martin has named a new development which will provide extra care housing for older people in Trowbridge.

The council and Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (bpha) have been running a competition during the past few months, inviting residents to come up with a name for the scheme which will open in April.

The new development in Rutland Crescent will be called "Florence Court". Mary Martin from Trowbridge, was chosen as the winner from more than 350 entries received from across the county.

The winner and runners up were presented with their prizes by Wiltshire Council's deputy leader John Thomson at a ceremony in Rutland Crescent on Wednesday October 13 .

He said: "We're keen to see Trowbridge residents supporting this new scheme as a welcome addition to their local community. With this competition, they had a unique opportunity to be involved and make their mark on a development that will help shape the community for years to come."

Prizes were donated by bpha with Mrs Martin receiving £100. Two runners up prizes of £75 and £25 were awarded to Trowbridge residents Quentin Fountain and Dorothy Ludlow. They were also awarded a hamper, which was donated by Wiltshire Council.

The new development, which replaces Rutland House, is being built on council-owned land. It will provide 40 two-bedroom flats enabled for assistive technology, 24 hour on-site care and support and access to communal facilities including a café/dining area, lounge, library and IT suite. Access to health advice and information will also be available. The facilities will be open to the surrounding community.

The extra care facility has been developed by Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association and on site care and support will be provided by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), the largest provider of care services for older people in Wiltshire, whose County Office is based in Trowbridge.

Jon Petty, Development Manager at bpha said: "We're very excited about the new scheme. The new development is designed to give peace of mind and help older people maintain their independence. Residents can come and go as they always have and friends and family can visit whenever they like.

"With more people living longer, facilities like this are important in helping the health and social care sector meet the needs of our aging population."

Diane Bowden, county director for OSJCT in Wiltshire said: "We're very pleased to be part of the partnership with the council and bpha to develop this important new housing with care facility. In the future it will provide older people with a real alternative to traditional residential care. At the same time Florence Court facilitates the development of a new specialist care facility in the town to meet the particular needs of older people with significant dementia.