Staff, friends and family recently joined residents and staff from Choice Housing to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of Larne’s McNeill Court, a sheltered living scheme situated in the heart of the town.
Opened in 1993 by then Minister of State Robert Atkins MP, the scheme provides 44 self-contained one-bedroom apartments, which include mobility and wheelchair standard properties. The scheme has been a vital social housing provision for the Larne area, particularly supporting older people to live safely and independently in their own home.
The schemes longest tenant, Sally Latimer who is 93 and has been a resident at McNeill Court for the full twenty-five years, was there to celebrate the milestone with fellow residents.
Situated in the Main Street in Larne, the sheltered living scheme is close to a wide range of local amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants, a health centre, pharmacy, post office, a number of churches as well as a library and leisure centre.
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive Choice said:
“We pride ourselves on being a mainstay of any community we develop in and this scheme in Larne is a perfect example of this. It was great to meet Sally Latimer who has been a resident at McNeill Court for twenty-five years. The scheme provides much more than housing; we are part of the local community and provide a wide range of social activities for our residents, including music, craft demonstrations and trips.
Over the years, Peggy Morrow our scheme co-ordinator at McNeill Court and our staff have built a unique bond with all residents and it is right that we mark 25 years of its success. Schemes like this provide residents with a safe and secure environment right in the heart of the community. They are designed to make day-to-day living easier safe in the knowledge that support is there when needed”.
Prior to building McNeill Court in 1993, it was the site of a hotel, which was owned by Henry McNeill. Mr McNeill died in 1904 and the hotel continued until its closure in 1970. The popular development is one of the longest-established sheltered living schemes owned by Choice, which has more than 35 years’ experience of providing housing and support services for older people.
