Friendship group's Highley community room is safe

The news comes after previous fears that the group would be charged to use the room, and if they did not pay- it would be closed.

The room, in Highley, was built as part of the work to create bungalows in Wilkins Close and Oak Street 27 years ago. Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (Star Housing) manages the community room.

Dean Law, spokesman for the group, said he has collected more than 600 signatures form residents against any of the proposed changes.

He added: "They still want to consult with the tenants to give them a housing support officer.

"The residents can see one that we have a quarter of a mile away, rather than pay £10.50 a week for it, unless they're on housing benefit.

"We're now up to 623 signatures on a petition which was started just more than two weeks ago against any changes.

"The residents are up in arms. We're dealing with very vulnerable people who are very old and very set in their ways. Any change to them is a major thing.

"I'm very passionate about it. For some of them, this is their only form of socialisation, some of them don't get out after they've had this gathering.

"Some of them play bingo for small prizes and socialise.

"For 27 years this has sat here and been the same.

"The reason I'm more passionate is 27 years ago it was my former mother-in-law that formed the club.

"I still think it whichever way they dress it up, the room is in danger, they haven't categorically come out and said it's not in danger.

"If a new club is formed, with residents who are not from Wilkins Close, they may have to pay a room hire for use of the community room.

"The housing support officer will cost those who are not on housing support £40-odd pounds a month."

Anne Price, organiser of The Friendship Club, said she has been going every week since she moved to Highley 15 years ago.

The 77-year-old added: "I didn't know anybody when I moved here so I made quite a few friends in this group.

"We organise different games and outings, and for those who can't get out we have visitors. We're having a school choir come in next week. It's something we look forward to.

"I don't know where else we'd go if we didn't have this room, there's some people who can't get into the village.

"It's very important that we keep this club going."

Laura Fisher, Shropshire Council’s community housing services manager, and Sue Adams, managing director of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said: “Shropshire Council and Star Housing are working together to ensure that the community building that residents share in Wilkins Close, Highley meets their needs now and in the future.

“As part of this all residents will be contacted and given the opportunity to provide their opinions directly to Star Housing. This consultation will be in regard to refurbishment of the shared space as well as the introduction of intensive housing support services. It is important to note that Star Housing is keen to discuss plans with all residents and will ensure all views are taken into consideration.

“Both Shropshire Council and Star Housing would like to stress that no decision has been made regarding these changes and that the discussion with residents is just the first stage in planning for the future.

“Star Housing would like to reassure everyone that they will take all of their residents’ views on board before making a decision.

“This consultation is nothing to do with closing the room and there are no plans to do so at this time – it is simply about enabling residents to live independently for longer, in their own home.”