Proposed withdrawal of commercial laundry equipment gets residents up in arms

Residents of Milton Street, Marine Court and The Crescent housing blocks in Saltburn, North Yorkshire fear they may have a battle on their hands in order to keep hold of vital commercial laundry equipment.

Around 75 tenants have been using the laundry facilities in a nearby community centre, but a recent announcement from Coast and Country Housing has suggested that the centre may now need to be used for alternative purposes.

As the nearest launderette is a quarter of a mile away, many elderly and disabled tenants fear that they will be left without vital laundry facilities.

Residents have been vocal in expressing their concerns.

77 year old resident Joyce Thistlethwaite said:

“We pay £1 for washing machines and 20p a go for drying currently. This compares with £3 for a wash at a launderette and higher drying fees.”

Millie Templeman added:

 “None of us have cars to get to launderettes. We fear they will close the community centre to convert it into new homes and the washing and drying facilities will be withdrawn.”

However, a spokesman for Coast and Country Housing reassured worried residents that a decision would not be made without their input, and stated:

“This is the beginning of an extensive consultation, including meeting residents in the New Year, to discuss options for alternative uses for the community centre, including future provision of laundry facilities.”

Residents now face what could be a lengthy wait to find out the outcome of the consultation- which could have a noticeable impact on their lives.