Freedom, family and fields in Flash

Back in 2020, Jack and his partner Cheyney were privately renting, but unfortunately the landlord needed the apartment to live in himself, and Jack and Cheyney were made homeless.

It wasn’t a great time for the couple – homeless, Covid had just hit, and Cheyney was pregnant. Thankfully, a friend had a one-bedroom flat they could move into in Macclesfield. They thought it’d be a temporary home, but nearly four years and two children later, they were still there.

A one-bedroom flat with a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old was far from ideal, but they were struggling to find a way out. The high cost of private rent meant they couldn’t afford anything bigger. And the affordable homes they were offered were just not suitable for the young family. That was until an affordable 3-bedroom PDRHA home became available in Flash, next door to Jack’s parents!

Jack grew up in Flash, started his gardening business there, and has family and friends in the village. We found out a bit more about how the move back has helped him and his family.

“We’re so glad to be back in Flash, it’s home sweet home. And we’re so happy to have an affordable home, with enough space for us all!

“The best thing about this house is the feeling of security. We feel safe. We live next door to family. The kids can play in the secure back garden, we know most people in the village, and we’re part of a caring community.

“We’re so pleased that our children can enjoy a rural upbringing. They’ve got space and freedom. We’re surrounded by fields with cows and sheep, and a two-minute walk away we can see deer! The children know it’s home and are already good friends with the children next door.

“It’s handy for work too. I started my gardening business here in Flash 10 years ago, and many of my customers are in the village. And Cheyney is a carer and has a much easier drive to work now.

“The house has air source heating, which is amazing. The house is always warm and there’s no need to chop up wood or get messy building a fire when I get home!

“We’ve had to do a bit of work to get the house how we want it and PDRHA have been really supportive. They gave us £300 towards a new cooker (as part of their New Home Tenancy Support Fund), and helped towards paint and decorating things."

Published: 16.08.24