A local family were delighted to receive the keys to a new council-owned property which promises to make a massive difference to their daily lives.
This week will see Rebecca Strike, her partner and five children, officially move into their new four-bedroomed home, built on a former garage site at Riley Close, Norwich.
Her daughters aged 20, 15 and 5, and sons aged 8 and 10, are all looking forward to the move, especially for the difference it will make to the life of youngest daughter Nala.
Nala is affected by a multitude of rare physical and mental conditions, including West syndrome, a rare epileptic condition, making her highly prone to infantile spasms.
Already settled in the local community, their former home was not suited to the adaptations required to meet young Nala’s growing needs and the family have been waiting for a suitable property to become available for a considerable time.
Ms Strike said: “Nala’s wheelchair wouldn’t go through the front door of our old house and the layout meant we couldn’t have a stair lift fitted either. Carrying a five year old around everywhere is not easy and will only get harder as she gets older.
“I rely on support from friends and family, which is why it’s vital we stay in the local area.
“I’m very thankful to the council for our new home. It really will make a massive difference to our lives.
She went on to explain: “We are in the process of having a ‘through the floor’ hydraulic lift fitted which will be fantastic.
“The adapted bathroom will make bathing Nala so much easier. And not only can we now get the wheelchair through the front door, but Nala will also have easy access to the back garden, which just wasn’t possible at our old house”.
The property was one of two four-bedroomed houses built on the site by H Smith and Sons working on behalf of Norwich City Council.
Leader of Norwich City Council, councillor Alan Waters, who is also ward councillor for the area, visited the family to officially handover the keys.
Councillor Waters said: “This is one of our smaller developments, but these homes will make a huge difference to the lives of two local families.
“Nala's situation particularly highlights the vital role council-owned housing has to play in providing support to those who need our help.
“I’m thrilled we’ve been able to do something for this family to make their lives that little bit easier.
“Ensuring decent housing for all is a top priority for this council and I look forward to seeing more residents benefit from the numerous council-owned homes, we are currently developing at sites across the city”.
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