Community's anger at plans for sheltered accommodation

RESIDENTS SLAM LACK OF CONSULTATION AND TELL OF SAFETY FEARS

- By DANIEL HODGSON

RESIDENTS, councillors and business owners have voiced concerns and outrage as a former Linthorpe care home is being transformed into sheltered accommodation.

New Walk CIC, who operate social housing across the North East of England as well as “schemes” on Teesside, are taking forward plans for accommodation in Burlam Road.

The community interest company, which houses homeless and vulnerable adults, has said each resident will have a support worker when the new site is up and running.

The dissatisfaction is around two main issues. Firstly, locals describe the lack of consultation as a problem.

Secondly, the specific location of the accommodation is unpopular, because of the impact it will have on existing residents and because of the possible problems for new arrivals.

Concerns raised

Around 40 residents gathered outside the former care home in protest on Monday, June 2.

Many members of the community in Linthorpe have been up in arms about the plans, with concerns raised about needles in the street and a general lack of safety.

There are also fears over house prices, as well as those who believe that the location is a risk for the vulnerable people who will eventually move in, in part due to drug problems in Linthorpe cemetery, opposite the former care home, which closed in early 2024.

New Walk CIC operates its Middlesbrough Scheme on Park Road North, a road that has previously been reported on for “blatant drug-dealing and defecating near homes”.

In October 2024, police were called to New Walk’s Park Road North hostel following a sudden death.

Linthorpe ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey said: “I'm incredibly unhappy and incredibly disappointed with the lack of consultation with myself, with residents.

“Councillors and residents should not have to find out about something like this by speaking to workers on site.”