A PROPOSAL to close seven of the borough’s sheltered housing schemes has been scrapped after widespread objections.

Bury Council now plans to close just one centre — Elton Square House in Bury, where only two people live — with the remaining six that were on the danger list now set for repair or rebuild.

Nearly one third of the current stock is bedsit accommodation, while others have shared bathroom facilities. The council say other units need to be brought up to modern accessibility standards and enable people with more complex needs to be supported at home.

The council is seeking to replace or rebuild all council-run schemes containing bedsit/shared facilities by 2025, and improve other sheltered sites The council’s health representative, Conservative Cllr Michael Hankey, said: “The passion that people have about this subject is clear to see and I have listened to the concerns that were raised. Focusing largely on scheme replacement rather than closure, these plans protect communities while offering the exciting prospect of new and improved accommodation.

“I would have liked to see the improvements made sooner, but the economic situation limits our ambition.”

Bury Labour leader, Cllr Mike Connolly, said: “I’m pleased that the council has finally listened to the views of tenants and residents and councillors who have been very concerned at the closure plans. We accept the financial climate limits the repair schedule, but the important thing is the vast majority of people have been reassured that they won’t lose their homes.”

A review of the borough’s 21 sheltered housing centres began last September because there were concerns that the standard of facilities was deterring people from moving in. It was intended to close St Mary’s Court and Clarks Hill in Prestwich, Harwood House and Wesley House, in Tottington, Mosses House, Taylor House and Elton Square House in Bury. The first floor of Griffin Close in Bury would have been closed.

But 42 people wrote to the council to object and council staff held 11 meetings with residents. A petition with 300 names was also submitted.

St Mary’s Court in Prestwich and Wesley House in Tottington are now at the top of the list for major renovation or rebuild. The new council report said: “There was a strong desire from tenants to remain in the same area with friends, family, shops and local amenities.”

The internal scrutiny panel will consider the new proposals next Thursday