MORE than a dozen homes for vulnerable and elderly people in Wellington have remained empty despite the charity-run properties being saved from closure six months ago after a town council campaign.

The council spent two years helping to co-ordinate efforts to oppose the Abbeyfield Society’s proposed closures of its Ivy House and Old Vicarage homes in Wellington.

It won the battle in April of this year when Abbeyfield relented and announced it was keeping the two properties open and instead would start to invest in improving them.

But, Old Vicarage senior house manager Rebecca South believes many Wellington people still have not yet understood the properties remain open.

Ivy House and the Old Vicarage together have 54 independent living flats available for rent by people aged 55 years and older, with 14 currently empty.

Ms South said with the local housing shortage it was important people realised Abbeyfield was not just for ‘the elderly’.

She said the charity also accepted people who were still in work, those in receipt of housing benefit and Universal Credit, and the properties were pet friendly.

Ms South said: “We can look after all different types of people with various capabilities.

“Some come in and out and do what they want, but others get to the point where they need help a bit more.

“Staff are here to help as much or as little as residents need.

“It is not just what is happening right now, you have to look into the future and think what might happen in the next couple of years as your situation changes.

“But I do not think people are aware yet that the houses are staying open.

“For two-and-a-half years closure was a threat hanging over us and any works were put on hold.

“But now all the improvements are being done.

“We have no issues with damp and things like that, all the flats are very sound and warm, comfortable, and dry.”

Ms South said meals were provided for tenants in the Old Vicarage, so people who were better able to cook might instead choose accommodation in Ivy House, which did not provide food.

She said: “We try to organise events like barbecues and Christmas and Halloween parties, bingo, and coffee mornings.

“There is quite a social side to the houses as well, but nobody is forced to be involved , you do not have to join in if you do not want to.”

One Abbeyfield resident, Pauline Cassling, who has lived in the Old Vicarage for more than three years, said: “In the beginning I came here in quite distressing circumstances, but the kindness and help and respect from everybody was amazing.

“Everything is done by the staff who always treat us individually and with great respect.

“You are safe and secure and people come to visit, my son visits and it is lovely.

“I do not know where I would ever get that personal touch again.”

Ms South said anybody who was interested in the Abbeyfield flats should look at the Old Vicarage and Ivy House websites or simply telephone to speak to staff.