Residents' anguish as sheltered housing in Somerset set to close
Residents at Ivy House in Wellington tell ITV News' Ben McGrail of their anger after learning their home is set to close
Residents living in sheltered housing in Somerset say they are angry after their provider has told them their home is set to close.
Ivy House is one of two properties owned by Abbeyfield in Wellington and was earmarked for closure in May last year because of rising costs.
The Old Vicarage is the other home in the town also now set to close.
Residents were told on Tuesday 23 April in a meeting that efforts to sell it had broken down and there was 'no other option' but to close the home.
The operator said it was committed to helping people find a suitable alternative, but many people living there said they will refuse to leave.
Another resident, 86-year-old Colin Brockington told ITV News: "I don't want to have my death caused because my uncertainty of where I'm living.
"They've been very cruel this company, to put us in this impossible position."
The home's longest-serving resident, Queenie Hutchings, who is 97, has lived at Ivy House for 29 years.
"I can't think of living anywhere else. I'm not going to live anywhere else. I'm going to stay right here", she said.
"I would like to end my days here", she added.
Another criticised the operator, claiming it was not 'thinking about people' and instead 'only thinking of money'.
An Abbeyfield spokesperson said: “The decision follows an extensive consultation process, during which we have listened carefully to representations made by residents, relatives and staff and spoken to a variety of stakeholders about the different options available to try and keep the home open and serving its community.
"Significant investment is required to meet the standards expected by prospective residents and regulators, now and in the future and the costs to carry out this work, even if spread over an extended period, are too great for us to meet.
"The past few difficult years dealing with the impact of the Covid pandemic, sector-widestaffing shortages, the huge increase in energy prices, rising inflation and rapidly increasing operating costs has impacted ALS’s ability to control costs and keep the accommodation affordable."
The operator added that in recent months it had been discussing options with another provider regarding the potential transfer of the home, but due to the 'level of investment' required, it was not a feasible solution.
"We have been very proactive in our approach, contacting local authority commissioning teams and other housing providers both locally and nationally. As well as other potentially interested parties.
"Having explored all avenues we regret that despite the home being very much part of the community, we are not able to maintain it as a financial sustainable service that is fit for purpose in the future.
"We are committed to working with you and the relevant authorities to find a suitable home that meets your needs and were you will be happy."