Residents to be moved by council to make way for homeless families

BUT AUTHORITY SAYS NOBODY IS BEING FORCED OUT OF COMPLEX

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN

MORE than 20 people face having to move so their independent living complex can be turned into housing for the homeless.

Nottingham City Council plans to convert Sketchley Court in Bulwell because it is running short of temporary accommodation due to rises in the number of people at risk of ending up on the streets. Sketchley Court has 26 homes and 22 current residents.

The council says no-one is being forced made to move out - but those who stay will lose their shared facilities.

The decision to go ahead with the change was taken by the authority’s Executive Board last week.

The court houses people who have health and mobility issues, and need some support, but ultimately aims for them to retain their independence.

The plans involve reconfiguring Sketchley Court to provide 28 units, including 23 one-bed, three two-bed and two three-bed properties.

The council is offering an incentive payment of £8,100 plus “disturbance costs” for existing residents.