A LUDLOW ‘eyesore’ is set to be demolished to make way for a complex for older people.
But it will mean those currently living there will have to be moved out of their homes.
The maisonettes on Sandpits Road will be razed as part of a project being led by Shropshire Housing which is subject to a bid to the government’s Housing and Communities Agency.
Under the scheme homes for rent would be provided for elderly people and would include facilities such as a laundrette.
It’s understood  the development would be for independent living and would not be warden controlled or sheltered  in the traditional sense.
Tracey Huffer, the Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, said she was meeting with Shropshire Housing for an update on taking the scheme forward.
But she said she had been given an assurance that people currently living in the maisonettes would be offered  alternative accommodation although no more information is currently available.
She added she would press for this to be in the Ludlow area if possible.
The 26 dwellings are believed to date back to the late 1950s or early 1960s.
“They have deteriorated and in some cases look quite run down and are regarded as something of an ‘eyesore.’ Although they served a purpose at the time this type of housing is not now really considered to be suitable for families.”
But she said that a complex for older people would be welcome and meet a need.
“We have a large and growing number of older people in Ludlow and a serious shortage of social housing for them so this development would meet a real need.
“My understanding is that what is envisaged is a community type complex that would not only provide housing but also other facilities.”
She said these could include a laundrette and also perhaps some kind of medical facility.
Paul Sutton, executive director for assets and development at the South Shropshire Housing Association, said people living in the maisonettes would not have been taken by surprise.
“I can confirm that we have plans to redevelop the site at Sandpits Road in Ludlow,” he said.
“The maisonettes that currently stand there are due to be demolished, and all tenants have been aware of this for some time. Indeed, we are actively working with those tenants to find them suitable alternative accommodation.
“In terms of the longer term plans for the Sandpits Road site, we will be submitting plans later this year for a development of modern apartments for frail and elderly tenants and further information on those will be released in due course.
“We recognise the difficulties facing an ageing population and would be interested in comments in relation to the type and style of accommodation required for this important customer group."
Views should be sent by email to shgenquiries@sshropsha.co.uk.