WELLINGTON MP Rebecca Pow has held an urgent meeting with Abbeyfield Society chief executive Paul Tennant to discuss the futures of the society’s two properties in the town.

Ms Pow, who had already visited residents in both Ivy House, in Corams Lane, and the Old Vicarage, in High Street, said it was ‘a full and frank discussion’.

It follows Abbeyfield’s shock announcement that it was considering closing both properties, along with 11 others in the Westcountry.

The financially-challenged charity is currently consulting on future options with its Wellington residents, all of whom are aged 55 years or older, with closure or a takeover by another housing provider being the most likely outcomes.

Its decision has caused distress for residents of the 25 Ivy House independent living flats and the 30 homes in the Old Vicarage, as well as for staff.

Ms Pow sought ‘clarity and reassurance’ for the residents from Mr Tennant, who agreed to write to each of them to explain in more detail the options under consideration.

MP Rebecca Pow outside Abbeyfield’s Old Vicarage home in Wellington
MP Rebecca Pow outside Abbeyfield’s Old Vicarage home in Wellington. ( )

She said: “Having met with residents in both homes it is clear there is a huge amount of uncertainty surrounding the future of these homes which is causing a great deal of anxiety for the residents.

“I sought assurances that the residents’ concerns will be fully recognised and I stressed that the announcement on the futures of both Ivy House and the Old Vicarage has caused a great deal of distress.

“I will continue to work with local stakeholders to seek a way forward.

“Abbeyfield itself is a not-for-profit company with a remit to cater for the elderly in particular, and it is important that those finding themselves caught up in the review of the Abbeyfield estate are suitably involved and taken account of.”