Community spirit runs deep on Gorse Ride

Planning permission for the first phase of our multi-million pound redevelopment of the Gorse Ride estate in Finchampstead was granted in October.

Many of the existing homes on the estate are outdated with timber frames and modular construction, so we’re going to replace them with fresh modern homes. But homes don’t make a community, it’s the people living in them.

Betty Sleet moved onto the estate 43 years ago, into a threebedroom house with husband Tony and their two daughters.

“We’d been living in a mobile home in Park Lane, so here seemed huge. We had an industrial size sink – all the houses did – and you had to charge up the central heating with electricity before you put it on. If you didn’t do it enough, it would cut out and you’d be freezing.

“It was all close-knit. I ran the Littlewoods Club. There was policeman at number 16, and number 11 was adapted because he was disabled. George and Jo lived next door with their daughter and two boys. George was a postman and persuaded my Tony to become one, which he then did for 29 years.

“It was a lovely place to bring up children. They all played out in the Close or on the land behind our garden which is now flats in Arnett Avenue. On Sundays there were football matches where the FBC Centre is now.”

Over the years the houses have had new roofs, kitchens, bathrooms and modern central heating.

“Yes I will be sad to leave this house, but I do understand why. They were only supposed to last 25 years so they’ve done extremely well considering. I’ve even got the original clothes ‘whirlie’ and paving slabs in the garden.”

Betty, like all our tenants, will be offered a new home on the renewed estate on a lifetime assured tenancy with similar terms to their current one. Private home owners will be offered a range of options, such as buying a new home on the estate (or potentially off site) through an equity loan scheme or similar help to ensure their new home compares with their old.

More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘Gorse Ride’)

Executive View

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Housing

“Our ambitious Gorse Ride plans will both address the needs of the area and, as importantly, provide high quality homes in a great community. Gorse Ride is rich and vibrant community which we want to protect both now and in the future.”