Local MP attends opening of new almshouses

3.09.04

The new almshouses on the Old London Road are to be opened by the Worshipful Mayor of Kingston at an event hosted by Kingston United Charities on 9th September. Local MP Edward Davey will be in attendance and welcomes the revival of providing affordable housing for the needy of Kingston.

The recently modernised Audric House, named after Miss Blanche Audric who gifted the property to the Council in 1991, aims to provide good quality affordable housing within the Kingston area. Part of historic Cleave's Almshouses, it is an example of the over 30,000 almshouse dwellings in the UK that provide accommodation for some 36,000 people.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP, said

"I am delighted to see these almshouses open and able to serve the community. As Liberal Democrat spokesperson with responsibility for housing and local government this is a project that I have been particularly interested in.

"Cleave's almshouses on the Old London Road were established in the 1660s with money given by William Cleave. He did this to help elderly and vulnerable residents of Kingston. It is excellent to see this tradition alive and well with Miss Audric's donation and the opening of the new Audric Almshouses.

"The whole community has pulled together to secure the opening of these almshouses. In particular Richmond Churches Housing Association and Kingston Council have been instrumental in securing a grant from the Housing Corporation which augmented the Audric donation.

"It is heartening to see such an important initiative as the provision of affordable housing being undertaken at a local level. I know that the Audric House almshouses will prove to be a valuable asset to the community."