TARPORLEY residents staged a protest in the town as part of their fight for the future of a retirement complex, amid fears it will be closed.

The residents of Oathills Lea Retirement Complex Accommodation say they were informed three months ago the future of the building is being 'reviewed' by Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

About 100 residents braved the elements to hold a protest on Saturday (September 8) outside the Baptist Chapel on Tarporley High Street in the pouring rain.

A letter calling for 2,000 signatures has been circulated to Weaver Vale Housing Trust, the parish council, independent councillor Eveleigh Moore Dutton and Eddisbury Conservative MP Antoinette Sandbach.

The letter states: "We were told that we would be kept informed as to what was going on, but we haven't heard a word. It is so cruel to do this to us all, to leave us in suspense.

"Some of the residents' health is suffering because of this. There are 24 flats here, but when a flat becomes empty it is not being filled. At the moment only 12 are occupied, the other rooms are not being made available. When enquiries are made they are being told that

there are none available!

"We feel we should take some form of action before it is too late, and maybe lose our homes. We are all so happy here, we are like family. If the building is closed, we will all be split up and sent to Winsford, Northwich, or who knows where.

"Some of us recently sold our homes to move to Tarporley to be near our family, now we have no idea what will happen to us in the future.

"Most of us have lived all, or most of our lives in Tarporley. The doctors, chemist, hospital and shops are on our doorstep. We are settled and very happy here and do not want to move.

"There is no other accommodation for the elderly in the village, (at the moment anyway, and will it be affordable if that happens?), and neither will there be for the next generation.

"We know the building needs updating and rewiring, but surely that would be preferable to closing the building.

"A petition to obtain 2,000 signatures has been started. We hope you will support us.

"Yours faithfully, the very unhappy residents of Oathills Lea."

Since the letter went out, campaigner and Tarporley resident Denise Willis said about 1,000 signatures had been collected and they were continuing to knock on doors, and 100 people had turned out at the protest.

A Weaver Vale Housing Trust spokesman said: “The Trust recognises that Oathills Lea is valued and well thought of by both residents and the wider community. We are also aware of the concerns expressed by people within the local community.

“There is an ongoing review which is still at an early stage, for which we have been gathering our residents’ opinions on the accommodation and facilities at the scheme.

“We can categorically say that Oathills Lea will not be sold to a private developer. The residents at the Oathills Lea are our priority and it is our duty to provide everyone with accommodation that meets their needs, and those of future customers.

“As part of this review, we will look at a number of options and work with Tarporley residents, the Parish Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council to understand what options are needed for older persons housing in the village.

“The Trust will continue to hold regular meetings with residents and the Parish Council to keep them informed of all progress in relation to the future of Oathills Lea.”