Residents of Hopeville Avenue in Broadstairs, Kent, are pushing back after their housing association, Orbit Housing, called for the removal of garden furniture that has become a lifeline for many elderly tenants.

The furniture, arranged as a community gathering space, has been deemed a “trip hazard” by the association.

However, the residents argue that this space has been crucial for their mental well-being, providing a daily outlet for social interaction.

A Community Hub Under Threat

Lyndon Brand, a 60-year-old resident, took the initiative two years ago to create this social space outside his home after a party for the King’s coronation.

The area now consists of several wooden chairs, tables, and a picnic bench where neighbors, many of whom live alone, come together for casual chats.

Despite the positive impact, a recent letter from Orbit Housing warns that the seating area may be removed unless an alternative location is found.

Social Gathering as a Lifeline

Brand and his neighbors, including Shelia Morris, 84, and Val Barry, 79, feel that removing the benches would leave them socially isolated.

“This is my family,” said Morris, who lives alone and relies on the community for companionship.

The hub has not only been a place for connection but also for practical support.

Val Barry highlights the value of having Brand, a former paramedic, nearby for health-related emergencies.

A Broader Impact on Mental Health

The space has proven to be more than just a meeting point for elderly neighbors.

Lucy Brand, 37, shared how the gathering spot has been a “safe haven” for her mental health struggles.

Others, like Claire Brand and Brenda O’Rourke, agree that this simple setup has had a profound impact on their emotional well-being.

For residents like O’Rourke, who has faced multiple health challenges and personal losses, the space offers comfort and a sense of community that can’t easily be replaced.

Orbit’s Response and Proposed Compromise

In response to the backlash, Orbit Housing suggested a coffee morning at the village hall as a compromise, but residents feel this doesn’t address their daily need for social interaction.

While Orbit insists that the garden furniture poses a safety risk, they have offered to work with residents to find a safer, more permanent solution.

However, the residents remain adamant about keeping their community hub intact, seeing it as essential to their everyday lives.

A Battle for Connection

As discussions continue, residents are prepared to stand their ground, physically if necessary, to protect their shared space.

Brand and others have vowed to remain vigilant to prevent the benches from being removed without an acceptable alternative.

For this tight-knit group, the garden is more than furniture; it’s a vital part of their well-being and a source of everyday joy and connection.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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