More guff - no real answers

Bungalows are a 'target for arson' on 'forgotten street'

So far, we've played it by the book, listened and trusted that people would act on their word and that things would get better. The people we've worked with on the ground have been great, and really tried to help us get taken seriously. The Safer Neighbourhood Team have been really supportive, and in no way is this a slur on any of them... It's just that there seems to be a stumbling block further along the line and whatever we do, no difference seems to made.

So, we've got ourselves our first piece of local press coverage the upshot being that comments from the council spokesperson leave us with more questions and no answers...

A council spokeswoman said:

"These properties are temporary buildings which are not suitable for permanent homes. We say - But some people were living in them for years before they were finally rehoused before Christmas. In council speak, what constitutes temporary?

"They have been used as temporary accommodation for people who would otherwise be homeless. We say As indeed they should. The council has a severe housing problem. So, why have at least TWO of them remained empty for over four years - with a council sticker on the doors stating "Haringey - working to get this property back into use"

"When we have rehoused all the residents, the site will be sold to a housing association for them to build permanent housing for families in need. We say The sale was supposed to happen in the summer, the units flattened in the autumn and building of new development underway. The plans have been delayed with Planning. Why isn't the housing department pushing Planning to get permissions sorted so that they can build these houses for families in need?

The Council Enforcement agency cannot actually 'enforce' the council to clear up its own property (hmm?!). Perhaps it's waiting for the sale to maybe / maybe not go through in the future at which point it CAN ask the new owners to clear it...

So, they haven't answered the ‘burning’ question WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO IN THE INTERIM, until the site is sold? Not much is the answer…

Not in my backyard as they say - in Muswell Hill. But here? Hey, anything goes...

The original article can be found HERE (25/02/09 - Bungalows are a 'target for arson' on 'forgotten street'