A Wigan couple whose lives were drastically changed by a cancer diagnosis are looking forward to Christmas after years of struggle thanks to a council housing scheme.
Derek Hall and Joanne Marsden Hall left their privately-rented home three years ago after Derek was diagnosed with brain cancer.
The illness had forced wheelchair-bound Derek to move his whole life downstairs into his living room in Astley.
Facing an uncertain future, the couple heard that Wigan council was building rented accommodation in Hindley and put their name down for a bungalow.
Now after years of feeling isolated, Derek feels part of a community again and lives only a mile away from Wigan and Leigh Hospice, where he spends time with people in similar situations.
“When we lived in Astley, my life was spent in the living room. I couldn’t get upstairs so my medical bed and a commode were brought downstairs,” he said.
“Things I took for granted before I can now enjoy because being in the bungalow means I can be more independent.”
The Park Road estate, which provides 60 bungalows and family homes, has been built with people with extra needs in mind.
Instead of having to worry about stairs, Derek now has a wet room instead of a bath and all of the doorways are wide enough for his wheelchair.
He added: “I know it would have taken us much longer to find a suitable home if we had continued to rent privately.
“For the first time in a while, we’re looking forward to Christmas and enjoying each other’s company.
“It’s not about the presents and the money for us, we’re happy and I’ve got my freedom back, that’s all that matters.”
Wigan council says it is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable homes for residents and has recently completed another scheme in Pemberton.
The development on Poplar Avenue consists of 30 affordable rent new build homes and was delivered in partnership with housing group, Great Places.
Coun Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare at the council said,: “Through the deal we are committed to building a high standard of accommodation that is well designed, attractive, and affordable for residents.
“It’s great that we can achieve this, while also helping people like Derek remain independent and connected to communities.”
National planning policy requires local authorities to demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing to meet local need. Currently, Wigan council can demonstrate more than 6 years.
But Coun Halliwell said that the authority had to keep the ball rolling by consistently building houses to satisfy demand.
He added: “We will continue to identify brownfield sites, stalled sites and key town centre sites for development in order to achieve this.”
For more information about the council housing stock, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/housing .
