I WOULD like to update readers on progress with our recently announced regeneration projects in Haltwhistle, Hexham and Prudhoe.

Projects of this kind are very sensitive and we understand how emotive it can be for our residents, especially older people, to be asked to consider moving elsewhere.

I know that my colleagues have handled these projects sympathetically, and taken as much care as possible to explain, in person, the options available to our residents.

Every resident affected has been given the highest priority for rehousing, and they can choose where they would like to live. If their preferred option is not currently available, we are happy to wait until it does become available.

We are keen to rehouse our residents in larger, better quality accommodation, and in Prudhoe alone we own and manage over 250 homes suitable for older residents. So all those affected can be comfortably accommodated.

In addition, every resident will be supported by Karbon throughout their move. They will be compensated for the loss of their home, all their removal costs will be paid, and we will ensure their new home will be fitted with any adaptations they need, as well as being newly decorated and carpeted.

Regeneration projects like these are a crucial part of Karbon Homes’ work in Northumberland.

Currently, construction work is ongoing on the brand new St Cuthbert’s Close building in the middle of Hexham, to provide 38 apartments for older residents, on a site which previously housed bedsit-style flats.

We hope your readers will understand that we want to provide all our residents with high quality homes, and sometimes that means replacing older, smaller properties with more modern, larger and higher quality homes.

We take great care with the rehousing process, and we look forward to helping our residents get settled in new homes where they can be comfortable and content.

KELLY TAYLOR
Assistant Director, Specialist Housing
Karbon Homes