Aileen Evans, our Chief Executive, has unveiled a special new sign on the Nottinghamshire road where she lived as a child.
Addison Drive in Hucknall was named after the Addison Act, and the new sign commemorates its introduction 100 years ago by then Minister of Health Dr Christopher Addison. The act was created to meet the huge demand for working-class housing following the First World War by tasking local councils to build up to 500,000 homes in just three years.
Guest of honour Aileen, who becomes President of the CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) in November, was on hand to unveil the sign alongside Paul Parkinson, Ashfield District Council’s Director of Housing.
Speaking about her family home, Aileen said: “All through my childhood Addison Drive was my family home, it gave us a stable home in a safe environment.
“We had a good life, not lavish, but enough to give us all a happy, secure start to our lives from which me and my siblings have benefitted enormously. Everybody deserves that – and without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“As landlords both housing associations and local authorities must work together with the Government to build on Christopher Addison’s legacy by building good homes for people to live good lives.”