Scores of older people in Angus are facing an uncertain future after a leading housing association confirmed it is reviewing its sheltered housing provision.
An Angus Housing Association (AHA) spokesperson confirmed the body will shortly consult with residents on the future of 82 retirement homes at two sites in Arbroath.
Up to 29 flats at the housing association’s Russell Square properties and 53 at Abbot Street are under review.
The decision is a further blow to older people and their families in Angus after The Courier revealed earlier this year publicly-owned Seaton Grove care home, which is in need of £1 million in renovations, is also under threat.
Linlay Anderson, AHA housing manager, said its committee of management had recently met and agreed to hold a consultation on the future of sheltered housing in Arbroath.
The process was at a very early stage, she added.
“All that has been agreed is a review of the sheltered housing service. We intend to have a consultation with residents on the future shortly. We are in the early stages of deciding how we will go about this.
“Absolutely no decisions about the future have yet been made.”
Angus Conservative MP Kirstene Hair, said she would contact AHA immediately to raise her concerns and “get assurances tenants will be supported.”
She said: “Arbroath has some of the highest levels of deprivation in Angus. One of the ways to solve this is making sure people have safe, affordable housing.
“I do not believe reducing sheltered housing will help our most vulnerable residents.”
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The retirement flats, a mixture of one to three bedroom homes, have non-residential management staff and a carelinealarm service throughout.
They include mobility and wheelchair-friendly properties and residents take part in a programme of social activities.
The Russell Square flats were built in 1973 and renovated in 2005 and the Abbot Street homes were constructed in 1984 before being renovated in 2007.
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) run Seaton Grove care home in Arbroath.
A leaked report earlier this year revealed the unit is facing closure, or transfer to a private or third sector organisation, as the AHSCP battles with rising demand and constrained resources.
