What’s in a name? Cannock housing scheme brings history to life, thanks to local resident

What’s in a name? Cannock housing scheme brings history to life, thanks to local resident

Sue who now lives in Worcester, chose the name Vine Court in memory of the Vine Inn, which once stood on the site of the 83 apartment complex. Her passionate entry caught the eyes of the judging panel which comprised of Housing Plus staff and guest judges, County Cllr. Matthew Ellis and Cllr. Phil Freeman, The Housing Portfolio Leader for Cannock Chase Council, as she revealed a tale of local connections that spanned back to her great-great-grandfather.

In December last year, West Midlands-based housing organisation, Housing Plus in connection with the media asked local people to make suggestions for the new development, and a staggering 42 names were suggested.

Debbie Griffiths, CEO of Housing Plus, comments: “We feel that when we name our sites it is important to harness the knowledge and interests of local residents. Mrs Purcell has strong family roots in Cannock, in particular with the Vine Court site, and we felt the name perfectly suits the new development.”

Sue Purcell’s connections to the site are quite uncanny. For more than 50 years her mother and grandmother were licensees of the Vine Inn, which once stood upon the Vine Court site, and she was actually born in the well-known Inn. Her father was a security guard at the Lucas factory, which also stood upon the grounds and her great-great-grandfather was the manager of the tilery works at the end of Walkmill Lane.

Cannock Chase Councillor Phil Freeman, comments: “Keeping local people within the community they have grown up is important, which is why we support affordable housing schemes like this. Sue Purcell’s story shows how the Cannock community is made up of a range of generations from young families to elderly people, and providing affordable housing for everyone will secure this trend for the future.”

Vine Court is a development of 83 affordable apartments, of which 70 are available for rent and 13 for part buy, part rent. They are specifically designed for people aged 55 and over to live independently in their own apartment, but with the added security of CCTV, door entry systems. For those who require it staff are also on site 24 hours a day, to provide support and personal care.

The development also houses two residents’ lounges, a restaurant, hairdressing salon and sensory garden, which are available for all residents or their families to use.

County Cllr. Matthew Ellis, cabinet comments: “Building affordable and appropriate housing for local people is important for the sustainable future of our communities. The population is ageing meaning the provision of tailored housing and care for the over 55s is paramount. Vine Court is an excellent example of the kind of housing for the over 55’s that is much needed across the UK; I’m proud to see that Staffordshire is, again, leading the way.”

The Vine Court housing scheme, which will be managed by South Staffordshire Housing Association (SSHA) will launch in autumn 2010.

Debbie concludes: “We’d like to thank everyone who entered the competition for their inspiring entries and are extremely grateful to County Cllr. Matthew Ellis and Cllr Phil Freeman who helped us to choose the winner.”

For further information about Housing Plus or the Vine Court development, please call 0800 096 8690 or visit www.housing-plus.co.uk.