OAPs' concern over young tenants

ELDERLY residents at a retirement complex in Uckfield are fighting plans to let some of the flats to people as young as 25.

A group of residents who spoke to the Express this week said they had nothing against young people but that the whole atmosphere of the place would change if they moved in.

The residents had chosen to buy the leaseholds of flats at Millington Court, Mill Lane, because they believed they would find there the peace, quiet and security they needed in their old age. Their leases stipulated that only people over the age of 60 would be allowed to buy.

But youngsters already congregated around the flats and careered about on skateboards and it was the last straw to suggest that young people live alongside them.

Mr John Chudley (79), who moved to Millington Court with his wife Phyllis nearly eight years ago, has written to Age Concern seeking help in fighting the proposed change. He said: 'It doesn't seem ideal to have young people living here, they live far differently than we do. It would destroy our peace.'

Mr Ken Appleby (78), who moved in 12 years ago with his wife Eileen (79), said they did so because it was a retirement complex. They would never have chosen Millington Court if it housed a mixture of ages.

Mr John White-Howles (76) and wife Betty (77) have lived there nine years. He said: 'We don't want to deal with all this at our ages. A lot of people here are over 90 and very worried. We came here for peace and quiet. This is a retirement development, it is not for anybody else.'

Flooding

The problem arose after the Uck burst its banks in October 2000 and four ground floor flats were seriously damaged. The leaseholders have since been unable to get them insured and the owners the Southern Housing Group has suggested a solution of buying them back and then letting them to people over the age of 25.

Group director Mr Adrian Shaw said the idea had been suggested to try and help the leaseholders who couldn't get insurance and who also didn't want to be at risk of flooding again.

'We have put together proposals where we look to purchase those units and look to let them out at market rent for an indefinite period until such time as flood cover is reinstated.' At that time Mr Shaw said the flats could be sold again to people over the age of 60.

He said they would make sure that the flats were let to suitable tenants.

But Mr Mark Spall ,leasehold advisor of Age Concern's Advice, Information and Mitigation Service, said he had seen one of the leases and not only did it specify that leaseholders should be over 60 but there was also a clause relating to tenants which specified they too should be over 60.