'Shape the future of housing': Views sought on controversial care home scheme
Residents are being invited to give their views on plans to turn a care home that controversially closed earlier this year into housing for elderly people.
Wem Town Council has called on people to attend a drop in day to "shape the future of housing for the elderly" at the site of former Westlands Care Home in Station Road.
The home – which was run by Coverage Care Services – closed in March after managers revealed it had been losing £25,000 a year over the last five years.
The town council along with Shropshire Housing Group has announced a drop in event to hear plans for the future of the site, and give residents the opportunity to put views forward.
Mayor of Wem Town Council, John Murray said: "It was absolutely devastating for Wem when it closed.
"It was devastating for residents and also for the town because Wem has always looked after its elderly people.
"Lots of people had their parents and their grandparents before that go to Westlands and it was a shock for everyone.
"I think it was one of the darkest days in Wem.
"This drop in is about turning the site into housing for elderly people.
"I suppose Shropshire Housing Group will be there with plans and maybe a model or something and we want as many people as possible to come along and say what they think about it or if they have any ideas.
"We will have members of the town council there as well and I hope lots of people will be able to come."
In an accompanying statement, Shropshire Housing Group said: "Shropshire Housing Group is celebrating the completion of its four-year development plan, which has seen 200 new homes built across Shropshire and Herefordshire.
"Comprising a mix of homes to rent as well as properties for full and shared ownership, the group has fulfilled its goal to build in rural areas most in need of affordable housing.
"Developments have either been completed or are in progress at Bucknell, Claverley, Church Stretton, Hodnet, Loppington, Market Drayton, Minsterley, Neenton, Orleton, Onibury, Park Hall Oswestry, Wem and Lyonshall in Herefordshire.
"The community has a vital role to play by forming a steering group and attending open meetings, ensuring residents can participate in key decision making.
"This approach, has helped many people, whether they are first time homeowners or tenants looking to downsize. It means they can stay in or close to the communities in which they already live."
The drop in event will be held on Thursday, October 8 between 3 and 8pm at the Roden Suite in Edinburgh House in Wem.
