Beechmere remembered one year on – residents settling into new homes

On the first anniversary of the major fire at Beechmere Extra Living, in Crewe, Cheshire East Council is, once again, praising the outstanding response from the people of Crewe, local charities, volunteers and the care sector as well as the amazing resilience of the many people who lost their homes and possessions.

The blaze, on the afternoon and evening of 8 August 2019, destroyed the large complex of apartments, leaving 127 couples and single residents in need of rehousing, with their cherished possessions lost.

The strength and resilience shown by residents, together with the response shown by the people of Crewe, remain abiding memories of that dreadful event.

The council’s adult social care team, communities team and Your Housing Group (YHG) staff worked tirelessly to find alternative, temporary accommodation for the residents affected by the fire and give emotional and practical support.

Councillor Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected at this time and we will not forget how so many older residents lost their homes and, in many cases, all their possessions as a result of the fire one year ago.

“This is an opportunity, once more, to thank all those neighbouring residents, volunteers, the people of Crewe, charities and the emergency services who responded to this emergency, helping and comforting distressed residents and helping to find them temporary accommodation.

“Within hours of news of the fire, residents, volunteers and charities responded with donations of blankets, clothing, toiletries and mobility aids, filling the sports hall of the Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

“The council continues to work with Your Housing Group and Avantage to assist those residents still needing to be rehoused and provide ongoing support. I want to thank our adult social care team and our communities team for the support they provided to Your Housing.”

Of the 127 households that needed to be rehoused, just three residents are still in need of a more permanent home.”

Pictured - Donations from local residents were collected and distributed at the Crewe Lifestyle Centre.