TWELVE sheltered housing complexes in South Lakeland are facing huge spending cutbacks.

Austerity measures to be enforced by central government mean that vulnerable residents may lose their beloved social spaces.

However, one group of residents in Kirkby Lonsdale are fighting back as their community hall is threatened with closure.

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In a letter to the residents of Binfold Croft, which is made up of 45 properties, plans were outlined by South Lakes Housing regarding the future of the sheltered housing, including a suggestion that the residents' lounge would no longer be available.

But Marjorie Day, who has lived at Binfold Croft for the past 17 years, is not willing to let the space go without a fight.

"There's so much talk about looking after communities and keeping people out of hospital," she said. "We do not really look after our elderly people."

Mrs Day, 80, has said that not only is the hall 'lovely' but for the many in the scheme who live alone it is their only chance to attend events and socialise.

"For some of them it's a lifeline," she said. "Better than sitting in four walls. Loneliness can be dreadful."

Penny Pullinger, the chief officer for South Lakeland Age UK, has echoed Mrs Day's concerns stating that loneliness can be as bad for people as smoking.

"Having easy access to activities is really important," she said. "Particularly in rural areas where it's harder to make something viable."

The changes are to take effect with the introduction of a Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap in 2018 coupled with a one per cent rent reduction which will apply to supported housing from April 2017.

Housing schemes such as Binfold Croft will be rendered 'unaffordable' and residents will most likely have to foot the bill for amenities that they currently receive as standard.

John Mansergh, assistant director for business improvement at South Lakes Housing, has said that each of the 12 South Lakes Housing locations will be similarly affected. But he pointed out that the plans outlined are not set in stone and they want to hear feedback from the residents.

"In some cases it will mean that if they want the hall, then we will consider it," he said. "We are way off decisions at this stage."

But the letter also states that residents will become responsible for buying their own TV licence and the emergency out of hours alarm service.

A Department of Works and Pensions spokesman said: “We value the role supported accommodation plays in helping vulnerable people, which is why we are deferring the social housing reforms for this sector for a year while we carry out a review and consult with stakeholders to ensure it works in the best way possible."