Christchurch’s biggest landlord is offering a £3000 incentive to encourage people to downsize from family homes, and help tackle the town’s chronic housing shortage.

Twynham Housing Association is offering to pay for all removal and storage costs, plus new carpets, and installing white goods to any of its residents who live in family homes that are too big for them.

So far, 750 residents living have been approached to join the voluntary scheme, and more than 30 have registered an interest.

Twynham’s Project Manager Hayley Ip Piang Siong said: “We know that there are elderly couples or widowed pensioners living in three and four bedroom houses, and know that some find it hard to cope with the cleaning or gardening.

“But we also know that many are scared of moving, and assume they’ll be asked to live in an area they don’t like.

“However, anyone interested will be able to choose their preferred areas, and look at smaller properties as they become available. Once they find somewhere they like, we can turn the paperwork around and they can expect to collect the keys to their new home in around two weeks.”

Twynham is currently processing 10 applications, which should free up space for several families in the area living in cramped conditions in temporary accommodation.

Other Twynham residents thinking about downsizing should call the Resident Services Team on 01202 460460.

Published 16 February 2007
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