Use your imagination to solve problem

Let’s have an extra care village here for the elderly, with about 200 self-contained flats for sale, part purchase or affordable rent.

It’s a terrific site and could provide employment for a whole range of carers, cooks, physiotherapists, you name it.

A care village is a relatively new concept establishing a community set around a social hub which includes a restaurant, bar, fitness gym, greenhouse etc.

Villages have a host of activities, classes, social events, many organised and supported by residents themselves and community involvement, either as a volunteer, village friend or gym member is encouraged.

There are a lot of elderly living in Warwick and Leamington who would like to ‘downsize’ in their later years to live in a safe environment with care available as they need it.

Recently I believe Warwick District Council refused planning for a dementia unit on Tournament Fields as the site was reserved for employment uses.

We need to show a greater vision.

This site could provide affordable housing for the elderly, and in doing so ‘free up’ family homes.

There are many examples built by the private sector, or by housing associations in partnership with local authorities and health authorities.

Locally the Extracare Charitable Trust based in Coventry are a major exponent with new developments in Lichfield and Gloucester.

Let’s have some imagination here too. - Jackie Crampton, via email.