Fylde social homes revamp secures £1.5m funding

Windmill (MG) Ltd owns 20 bungalows in Melton Grove, Lytham which provide tailor-made homes for adults with learning difficulties, sheltered accommodation for elderly residents and affordable housing for homeless people.

Set in four acres and with a woodland nearby, the development provides a peaceful place to live where people can integrate with each other and the broader community in a safe environment.

The loan from Unity, which styles itself as the commercial bank with a social conscience, will be used to upgrade the properties which were built in the 1950s, plus other projects.

Peter Whitehead, director of Windmill, said: “We acquired the bungalows in 2011.

He said: “Two were derelict and most had the original kitchens and bathrooms and a number of them fell short of acceptable living conditions. This funding will be used to refinance part of the original purchase and help us to upgrade the existing properties.

“We have been delighted with the support we’ve received from Unity Trust Bank. We chose to work with Unity because their ethics and objectives are aligned with ours.”

Part of The Windmill Group, the firm works in partnership with One Fylde - a not-for-profit agency which helps people with learning difficulties - and three of the bungalows have been specially adapted to help residents with assisted living.

Andy Ledger, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “There is a massive demand for social housing across the whole country. This loan will be used to continue to provide stable living arrangements for tenants in Melton Grove and enhance their independence and quality of life.

“We are committed to having a positive impact on the communities we serve.”