"I met Carole Guscott, a retired former carer, on a clear winter's morning in the Somerset town of Minehead. She was walking her whippet, Gracie, on the way back to her new flat, past the local Premier Inn and on to a cul de sac called Rainbow Way. I knew as soon as I saw it, she told me. I just thought: I can make this place my home.'"
"I was stunned, she said. She instantly decided to move in, paying just over 500 in monthly rent, and delighting in the views of the surrounding hills and townscape. The flat is just so open and bright, she told me. I feel blessed that I'm here. She also said: Without a council house, there just isn't the security."
"There are 54 new council homes on Rainbow Way: 33 flats and 21 houses the first such dwellings to be built in this part of Somerset in 30 years. Around half the people now living here were recently homeless, facing harassment, being moved on from supported accommodation or urgently needing two or more bedrooms due to family circumstances."
Carole Guscott moved from a private rented flat paying 780 a month to a council flat on Rainbow Way, paying just over 500 monthly and enjoying bright, open views. Rainbow Way comprises 54 new council homes — 33 flats and 21 houses — the first such dwellings built in this part of Somerset in 30 years. Around half of the new tenants were recently homeless, facing harassment, being moved on from supported accommodation or urgently needing larger homes. Eighty-nine percent of tenants were already resident in Minehead and 11% had strong local connections. Minehead has a seasonal economy centred on Butlin's and faces high deprivation and acute local housing need.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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