Elderly residents in Abbots Langley have been left stunned after they were told they have a month to find a new home.
People living at Tannerswood have been told that the building will be closing because of safety reasons.
Trustees of Abbeyfield West Herts Society, who run the facility, wrote to pensioners on Wednesday, January 16 telling residents had 30 days to vacate their rooms and that a building survey identified that the building failed to meet fire regulations, placing residents in “danger” should a fire break out.
Due to financial struggles the charity say they cannot afford the fire safety costs on top of additional works. They have stated they will carry out a “full viability study” to see if the charity can continue to run the store.
An action group of 15 members was quickly set up to ensure the house, on Greenways, remains as a special Abbots Langley recourse for the elderly.
Abbots Langley Tannerswood Action Group (ALTAG) said: “It feels like they are wanting to close the house with indecent haste.
“The ALTAG has been formed very quickly; it could have been formed just as quickly back in August and then we would not be in this situation.”
According to the ALTAG, the trustees knew that significant money was needed to be spent on the house but left too low a budget for unexpected costs.
The action group added: “Abbots Langley’s Abbeyfield House is a local hidden jewel that needs to be protected and needs to continue in the purpose for which it was donated. This kind of group living is exactly what we need for the future.”
The charity has said they will identify alternative accommodation in other Abbeyfield homes and assist with the cost to re-home residents within a 10-mile radius.
A spokesperson for The Abbeyfield Society said: “After careful consideration The Abbeyfield West Herts Society has arrived at the difficult decision to close Tannerswood House. Abbeyfield West Herts has been advised that the current building has some health and safety concerns that have led to this decision to close.
“The welfare of those who live with us is always priority and as such, we will endeavour to help all residents to relocate before official closure of the home. We are also supporting our staff to help them find suitable alternative employment, wherever possible, in an effort to avoid redundancy.
“This is a sad time for all of us at The Abbeyfield West Herts Society. The staff, residents and their families at the house, have been informed of this decision and Abbeyfield staff will be on hand to help and support each resident throughout the closure process.
Are you effected by the closure? Email newshub@mynewsmag.co.uk
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