The London Borough of Barnet is currently proposing the demolition of the homes of 33 elderly, vulnerable people to make way for a dementia-friendly extra care residential scheme on the site of the existing sheltered housing block at Moreton Close, Mill Hill.

No one would disagree that a specialist scheme such as this would be a great asset in the borough. However, it remains a mystery as to why ‘the powers that be’ chose Moreton Close as the proposed location. There are several more suitable derelict sites within the borough that could be used for this scheme.

Labour group leader Councillor Alison Moore recently wrote that “Barnet Borough Council’s housing stock is in crisis”.

The residents of Moreton Close are in sheltered accommodation because they are vulnerable and in some cases disabled. Quite apart from the stress and trauma, this close-knit community is suffering at the prospect of being forced from their homes and scattered around the borough to unfamiliar surroundings, the council will also be obliged to rehome them, thus putting a completely unnecessary burden on the council’s “in crisis” housing stock.

The buildings at Moreton Close are sound and fit for purpose and provide a comfortable environment for its 33 vulnerable residents.

Economically, it makes no sense to demolish 33 perfectly good dwellings in order to create 52 new ones, achieving a gain of only 19. Whereas by using a more suitable vacant site the council’s “in crisis” housing stock could benefit by the full 52 homes.

As relatives of a resident of Moreton Close and as Barnet Council taxpayers we request that ‘the powers that be’ seriously reconsider their decision to proceed with this ill-considered scheme. It is both a blatant waste of money and council housing stock and an unethical way to treat vulnerable senior citizens.

Yvonne and George Esp

Puller Road, Barnet