Complex dwellers told: It's a wonderful place!

South Kesteven District Council's £828,000 housing complex in Witham-place, Grantham, was officially opened by the Prime Minister, who after unveiling a commemorative plaque, expressed amazement at what had been achieved on the site.

“It really will give immense pleasure to those who live here,” said Mrs. Thatcher, “although I feel that ‘sheltered accommodation for the elderly’ is perhaps the wrong phase for such a wonderful place, created by those who have given thought to the needs of the elderly.”

Strange

She recalled the Grantham of her childhhod when lorries used to thunder through the town centre, past her old home on North-parade—all part of the A1 route in those days—and confessed; “Now, when I am travelling on the A1. I find it strange to by-pass Grantham.

“It does not feel right. I want to turn and come into the town.”

In welcoming the Prime Minister, Council chairman Coun. John Wright said this housing scheme, completed last August after a 19-month building programme, now took to 30 the number of Council-run grouped dwellings schemes for the elderly in the district.

“It is often said people are judged by the way they look after their elderly—and we in South Kesteven are actively pursuing this policy,” he said.

“This number gives ample evidence of what can be achieved, despite financial and other restrictions.”

Mrs. Thatcher was thanked by housing committee chairman Coun. George Swanson, who took the opportunity to plead directly to her for improved medical facilities at high dependancy housing projects.

“No Government has been able to do anything about the provision of at least minimal medical attention,” he said. “I hope it will be remembered as and when resources are available.”

After the opening ceremony Mrs. Thatcher signed the Council's visiting book—hers was the first name in it on her last official trip to Grantham almost five years ago—and then toured the complex with the Council leaders, inspecting the premises and chatting with tenants.

Afterwards she enjoyed a welcome break, taking tea and biscuits with the residents in a communal lounge, before bidding farewell to start the drive south and home to No. 10 and back to affairs of state.

The housing development opened and inspected by Mrs. Thatcher comprises 42 flats, including 23 2-person units and one five-person flat, all of these are warden-controlled.

The facility, designed by William Saunders and Partners and built by Pumfrey Construction, has communal welfare rooms, an up-to-date internal communications system to the warden's accommodation and a lift for wheelchair residents.

Roadways, footpaths and car parking is also included on the 1.1-acre site.

Warmth

The purpose of the scheme is to cater primarily for those no longer active and for the more infirm who, while not invalids, would need some assistance from time to time.

Sharing of certain facilities helps to reduce heavy chores, and the purpose designed accommodation provides warmth, safety and comfort—and an independent life for the elderly residents, with companionship and security.