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Lunch is still being served
Housing bosses have reassured pensioners that their lunch club can continue in its current venue following concerns that it had been made homeless.
Members of the Marx Court Social Club in Clay Cross were told by Rykneld Homes that they could no longer use the sheltered accommodation's communal lounge because of health and safety and legal issues.
Up to 40 elderly people attend its bingo afternoon and luncheon club each week and they were left upset at the news.
Club chairman Ron Butler (82) said that he was told at the weekend that they could not use the newly-refurbished room because it does not meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.
However after holding a protest meeting in the lounge on Monday, he was then informed that the club can return to Marx Court after remedial works have been carried out.
"It is very good news," he said.
"However there was not enough communication and I feel very disappointed with the way Rykneld Homes handled it.
"It caused a lot of worry and I have had sleepless nights worrying about it."
Kay Smith, whose 75-year-old mum Brenda Butterworth has attended the club for more than seven years, said that it is a lifeline for members.
"It's something they look forward to and it gets them out of the house.
"It's mum's life - we know can take her up there, leave her there and she absolutely loves it," she said.
A spokeswoman for Rykneld Homes said that a review of the communal lounge in February identified work that needs to be carried out to enable it to be open to the public and meetlegal requirements. The works will be funded by NE Derbyshire District Council.
She said: "We're awaiting definite start and completion dates, which will then be discussed with residents and visitors who wish to use the facilities."
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Weather for Eastwood
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
