Battling pensioners have saved their laundrette from being turned into offices.
Residents of Skipton's Petyt Grove were furious when they were told just before Christmas that their laundrette and common room were to be closed.
In a letter to residents, Craven Housing said both facilities and a flat on Newmarket Street were to be converted into offices.
Senior housing officer Mike Smith said the association needed to vacate its current offices at 9 High Street before August as part of a redevelopment of the town centre.
However, following a meeting with angry residents, Craven Housing decided to save the laundrette.
The common room is still to go, but the organisation has said it will do its best to find alternative accommodation for the facility.
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Petyt Grove residents Carol and Brian Windle said they used the laundrette two or three times a week.
"We moved here eight years ago and, like all the pensioners, we use the utility room and didn't know how we were going to manage without it," said Mrs Windle, who is due to have a hip replacement operation.
"I know it's not used by everyone, but about eight people use it regularly and there has got to be something like that here. They've said the laundrette is not going to go, but I'd like to see it in writing."
Fellow resident Jean Knoblett, a member of the complex's Phoenix Club, said club members used the common room once a week for a couple of hours each time.
"There are 11 of us who meet there. It's a social thing, we have a natter and a cup of tea and go on little trips. We also have a box for the air ambulance and everyone puts something in it."
Mrs Knoblett said the group was looking for somewhere else to meet.
"We're hoping to find somewhere, but if we don't, we'll have to meet in each other's homes," she said.
Housing officer Mr Smith told the Herald residents had been informed of the possible changes as soon as possible. We sent the letter out just before Christmas because we wanted to be upfront with people and we didn't want rumours to get around," he said.
He pointed out that a meeting had been held to discuss the proposals and to listen to residents' concerns.
"As a result of our requirement to find alternative office accommodation, a recent meeting was held at Newmarket Street with our customers regarding Craven Housing's accommodation proposals.
"A number of queries were raised, in particular in relation to retaining the current laundrette facilities on site. Craven Housing confirmed that it recognised customers' views and the importance of such a facility, especially for our older and more vulnerable customers, and as such confirmed that the facility would remain."
Mr Smith added that every effort would be made to find an alternative to the common room.
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