TWO Hillingdon Council buildings previously used for sheltered accommodation will be changed to create housing for the homeless.

The council’s cabinet agreed last week to decommission both Yiewsley Court in West Drayton and The Gouldings, Uxbridge.  

It follows a review of council housing, which revealed a surplus of homes dedicated to older people.

By relocating residents to suitable alternatives in the borough, the two sites could be made available for alternative housing for priority groups. The Gouldings comprises 42 self-contained one-bedroom flats and Yiewsley Court 25.  

The council consulted with residents affected by the proposals earlier this year, before seeking cabinet approval.  

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “This will help us ensure that everyone who needs a home has the opportunity to find a good one in our borough, particularly those groups or individuals with more acute needs.  

“This is easier said than done in a dense, urban area like west London, so in this instance, we’ve looked at how we can use sheltered accommodation in a more efficient manner.”