Tenants at two sheltered housing schemes in Preston are looking for new homes after it was revealed the buildings are set to close.

Maudland House near UCLan and Alexandra House in Deepdale are being closed by owners Community Gateway Association (CGA).

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One Maudland House tenant said: “All the residents here are very upset about having to move out as it is a small community and everybody knows everyone.

“Some have been here 15 years, myself I have been here almost seven years. Some friendships are years long. It is a very nice property. It is such a shame.”

A spokesperson for CGA said: “In March, the Board of Community Gateway Association made the difficult decision to close Maudland House and Alexandra House. It was not a decision that was taken lightly.

“For a number of years, despite both a continued investment in their appearance and intensive marketing, we have struggled to let some of our older-style sheltered housing schemes due to falling demand.

“Our first priority now, as always, is to make sure we do the best we can for the residents who are currently living in these schemes. We are working with all our tenants to find them new homes in areas where they want to live.

“Given the particularly difficult circumstances we now find ourselves in with the coronavirus pandemic, we will factor this into our planning and adjust our timelines accordingly. Schemes will only close when all residents have successfully moved into their new properties.”

Despite these closures, CGA say they are committed to ensuring accommodation is available for the increasing ageing population of Preston.

The Courtyards in Ingol is due to open in early summer and will provide 60 brand-new one and two bedroom apartments. It will also feature private external spaces and shared communal facilities, including a bistro and hairdressers.

Read more: New over 55s housing development to throw open its doors in Ingol

CGA’s Board has also recently approved the development of 53 new one and two bedroom older person apartments in Broughton. CGA say the schemes have been designed in conjunction with tenants to replace some of their more outdated offerings, which no longer suit the needs of today’s elderly population.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think of the closures? Let us know in the comments.