UNCERTAINTY about the future of an Addingham sheltered housing complex is continuing to cause 'enormous' stress to older people, it has been claimed.

Incommunities – the biggest social housing provider in Bradford district – recently opened discussions with residents of Southfield House about the future of the ageing complex of 26 flats and bedsits.

Residents were alarmed to hear that demolishing the complex and rehousing of the residents was among options.

Although Incommunities says it plans to talk to all residents individually, then present findings to its board at a later date, people are concerned the cost of refurbishing the building means this option has already been ruled out.

An Addingham resident, whose late mother lived at Southfield House for several years, has written to ward councillors and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins telling them of the impact of the potential loss of the complex.

Susan Appleyard said: "Most are elderly and have health issues and, as you can imagine, this news is causing them an enormous amount of stress.

"Many live there because they have local links, or are close to family and friends, who can assist with day-to-day living.

"Some are housebound, others are only able to go out if taken by family members. So, the social life at Southfield House is of great importance to them. There is a lovely community there and they have regular social get-togethers and lunches in the lounge, all organised by the residents themselves."

She highlighted the shortage of affordable sheltered housing in the area and other, privately-owned and managed complexes would not be affordable to many residents.

Ward councillor, Adrian Naylor (Ind, Craven), has discussed the issue with Incommunities directly.

Cllr Naylor said: "My concern is while this might be a nice discrete business process for Incommunities to go through, what we're left with here is a situation where elderly people, who have potentially lived in Addingham all their lives or a considerable part of them, are now going to be moved at a critical phase, without a clear idea of where they're going to be relocated."

He is worried the potential loss of Southfield House will leave Addingham and Ilkley without any sheltered housing, meaning residents could be moved to another part of the district, well away from their own community.

An Incommunities spokesman said: "Starting later this week, senior members of staff will be carrying out one-to-one meetings with all residents to gather their feedback on the future of the scheme.

"This will give everyone living at Southfield House the opportunity to share their experience of living there and also say how they see its longer-term future.

“Their feedback will form a key part of the decision-making process, which will go forward to our board for their consideration later this year.

“We fully appreciate this is a difficult time for residents and staff, and we are committed to considering all views and keeping everyone fully informed throughout the review.”