This year not only marks the 50th anniversary of the Mini, Barbie Doll and Motown Records, it also marks 50 years of supported housing in Runcorn.
On the 24th April 1959, Queens Close supported housing scheme opened its doors and the first residents moved in. The 32 bungalows, then owned and managed by Runcorn Urban District Council, were built to house older people who lived in the town.
Today the bungalows are owned and managed by Halton Housing Trust. To mark the anniversary the Trust organised a celebration event for customers who live in Queens Close on Friday 24th April 2009.
Derek Twigg MP for Halton dropped in for a cuppa and a chat with the residents who live at the supported housing complex, as they looked back over the years on how things have changed over time. Youngsters from Victoria Road Primary School, Runcorn, sung songs for the residents.
As a special anniversary gift, the Trust and its partners Vale Contract Services will provided a hanging basket for every home in Queens Close. The Trust has also built a chill out zone for residents and is providing new garden furniture.
Olive Watson, 96, a Trust customer who has lived at Queens Close since 1972, said: “Since I moved here, I have enjoyed my time at Queens Close. Everyone is very neighbourly and today’s party has given us all the chance to celebrate the anniversary with our friends and family.”
Noel Sharpe, the Trust’s Director of Customer Services, said: “We are very proud of the supported housing service we are able to provide for our older customers.
“It is our aim to provide good quality housing, in a secure environment that gives our older customers and their families the peace of mind that help is a hand should they need it. We look forward to another 50 years of providing supported housing in Runcorn and Widnes.”
Supported Housing, formerly known as sheltered housing, is purpose built housing for people over the age of 60 or with a disability. It helps customers to maintain their independence by providing appropriate levels of support within their own home. A scheme manager works on site to give customers a helping hand should they need it.