The group worked with ExtraCare staff, including Commissioning
Manager Paul Bradford and Community Relations Worker Ian Jennings,
to ensure that everyone's cultural needs would be met when the
second Birmingham village is complete, looking particularly at the
issues of catering, support and security.
Some police officers were also there to answer questions about
security. The village site is about 400 yards away from the
police's rapid response centre for the region.
Sue Harrison, from nearby Aston, said that security was an
important issue for her and a reason that she wants to move to
Pannel Croft Village. As she currently lives on her own, she feels
it would be safer to have more help easily on hand and live in a
closer community.
The group also discussed hair and beauty, activities and
shopping at the event at the Pertemps Office in Newtown.
They have decided to be called Friends of the village, like
other groups around the country.
"People are quite genuinely interested," said Ian Jennings, who
has been talking to local community groups about the development
for several months. "There's quite a good vibe. We had a real level
of excitement and buzz about the whole thing."
Another potential resident, Stan Griffiths, said that he was
looking forward to learning more about the village in the future.
"I'm just down the road and it looks great," he said.
Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr John
Lines, said: "It is always good to hear that future residents are
excited and eager to move into a new home, it is news like this
that makes my job rewarding.
"Pannel Croft village will offer its residents excellent quality
accommodation with care support, social and leisure facilities for
people over 55. This style of village has become very popular in
recent years and continues to go from strength to strength."
Paul Bradford said that it was a "brilliant" event. "We were
very thankful to Stuart, the Pertemps Manager, and his team,
especially Colin the caretaker and Liz the chef for all their help
and support," he added.
The first show apartments for Pannel Croft Village are expected
to be open in early December.
Pictures
Mr Kwok Hing Fung, Community Relations Worker Ian Jennings, Mr
Colin Walsh and Ms Sue Harrison.
See more pictures on Flickr.
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk