Councillor sets out plan to save Cotswold House

Cheshire West and Chester councillors Simon Boone and Mandy Clare have met with Weaver Vale Housing Trust to discuss the future of Cotswold House.

It was previously announced that the trust was planning to shut the home due to rising costs.

Now, Cllr Boone, who represents Winsford Swanlow, is hoping to meet with his council colleagues in hope of finding the funds necessary to keep it open.

He said: "We are planning to raise this funding issue with both Cheshire West and Cheshire East councils, to look at what funding streams are available.

"Weaver Vale Housing Trust have stated they can no longer afford to fund this facility on their own and that any funders they may have access too, would want to see the Cotswold House model change. The detail of which, wasn’t fully explained.

"WVHT also said they would consider keeping Cotswold House open if funding was made available.

"It’s clear from the number of occupants over the last two years, that this facility is well used and has been available for vulnerable women for more than two decades.

"It’s also the only venue of its type across both Cheshire West and Cheshire East councils.

"To lose this facility would be a disaster and put women at more risk and reduce any hope they have of a fresh start.

"I ask the Labour leaders of Cheshire West and Cheshire East (Cllr Louise Gittins and Cllr Sam Corcoran) to meet with me to discuss what funding maybe available moving forward."

ALSO READ: ‘It saved my life’ – Former resident begs trust to keep women’s refuge open

Cotswold House provides a safe home for up to nine women and three babies (Image: Getty Images)

Cotswold House provides a safe home for up to nine women and three babies, with 10 staff providing round-the-clock support 365 days a year.

The plan to close it was announced earlier this month.

Gareth Rigby, executive director of customer, place and services at Weaver Vale Housing Trust explained the decision was made due to financial reasons.

He said: “We can confirm we are exploring plans to close our supported accommodation service at Cotswold House in Winsford.

“Like other landlords, the Trust has had to make tough financial decisions as we feel the impact of the increasing costs of running our services.

“We are committed to ensuring that vital investment in our existing homes and services will continue, however, we are no longer in a position to run the specialist services provided at Cotswold House.

“We are working closely with affected residents to support them to find suitable alternative accommodation and the proposed closure would not take place until these supported moves are completed.”

READ MORE: Weaver Vale Housing Trust to axe 'life-saving' women's refuge

Cheshire West Council has confirmed talks will now take place to discuss what funding is available.

A spokesperson said: "The council is aware that Weaver Vale Housing Trust is currently consulting on proposals to close Cotswold House in Winsford.

"We have met with the Trust and further conversations will now take place to look at options going forward.

"Whilst Cotswold house is not a Cheshire West and Chester Council commissioned service, we are committed to supporting those within our communities that need our help and support and recognise the impact services like this provide."