Derek Armstrong Court, Horden

New bungalows named in tribute to popular local Councillor

DAMHA opened a new development of 4 two-bedroom, wheelchair standard bungalows in Horden on 9th April.

The £434,000 scheme, carried out in partnership with Durham County Councills Social Services Department and ISOS Developments was partly funded by Social Housing Grant from the Housing Corporation.

Built within the grounds of DAMHAls residential care home, Langley House, the development has been named in tribute to the late and highly respected local Councillor Derek Armstrong. His wife, Mrs Margaret Armstrong, performed the opening ceremony.

Mrs Armstrong said, “Derek would be so honoured. He thought a lot of people in general but he was particularly interested in doing more for disabled people”.

She added, “He loved this area and he was always available to help where he could and I know that he would be delighted to have his name associated with a scheme like this in Horden.”

Mrs Armstrongls family accompanied her at the ceremony and the Councillorls son Tony marked the occasion with some thoughtful words about his father. He said, “My dad couldnlt have been prouder than at a moment like this”.

The bungalows, completed in February 2008, were built by local, (Easington Colliery), builders Ronden Builders and feature wheelchair access, high level energy efficiency gas central heating systems, incurtilage car ports with covered access and have Secured by Design Accreditation from Durham Constabulary.

Resident Mrs Muriel Little, (76), said, “I really didnlt want to move at all but as soon as I stepped through the door when I first visited this bungalow I immediately thought this is the one for me ”. She added, “I am delighted its just what people with disabilities need, plenty of space and itls laid out really well. Ilm very impressed by the quality of workmanship and the care that has gone into such a thoughtful design”.

DAMHA Chief Executive Gordon Gray said, “We are delighted to have built homes that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and it is particularly satisfying to have the bungalows in such close proximity to our residential home, adding to the value of the local community. We are grateful to the Housing Corporation for the contribution of the Social Housing Grant and pleased to be working in partnership with Durham County Councills Social Services Department and Isos Developments”.

In his opening speech, DAMHA President Bob Olaman said.
“ These homes are particularly special as they have been built to accommodate residents with individual mobility needs. “

He added, “The project also reinforces the Associationls commitment to Horden and the surrounding area. However, there are still 280 households on the Horden waiting list and together with our development partners, Isos, we will continue to explore opportunities to develop appropriate housing to enable people to live independently.”

Consultants engaged on the project were, Stephenson, Johnson, Riley Architects and Lumsden Wood Partnership, Employers Agents.

Mrs Margaret Armstrong & Tony Armstrong

The Armstrong Family

Resident Mrs Muriel Little

Bob Olaman (President), Gordon Parkin (Vice President) and Gordon Gray (Chief Executive) with the Associationls new banner

Executive Committee Member Cyril Smith (left), watches on with residents at the opening ceremony

Photography: Ian Dobson Photography

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