Bungalow plan splits a community

PLANS for eight elderly persons’ bungalows on land which has been used as a unofficial play area for more than 60 years have split a community.
Warrington Borough Council wants to build the bungalows on the Mee Brow Estate at Culcheth and has consulted local residents about the proposal.
But local councillor Peter Caswell said the consultation process was flawed with many people apparently not taking part.
He said: “There are well over 100 houses on the estate. Only 32 responded to the survey, 18 of who support the scheme or did not oppose it and 14 who opposed it.
“I am strongly opposed to the scheme as there is another site nearby which is much more suitable.
“These proposed bungalows couldn’t have been put further away from bus stops and the local shop. There is another available site which would be much more convenient for elderly residents.
“I am all in favour of building bungalows for the elderly but they have got to be in the right place. In this case, they are not.”
Altogether 12 bungalows – the other four are in Charnock Road – are planned for Culcheth as part of a scheme under which the borough council will receive £5 million from the Government.
Coun Keith Bland (pictured) said the scheme was actually “good news” for Warrington has it would enable more older people to be offered smaller homes, freeing up three and four bedroomed houses for young families.
Coun Caswell said he supported more homes for the elderly but did not think the proposed site – a square of land bounded by Churchill, Eden, Atlee and Allen avenues – was suitable.
The land was a safe play area for young children and had been used as such for more than 60 years.
Residents who opposed the scheme were not opposed to homes for the elderly but did not want to lose the play area when there was another, more suitable, site available.