New Deal money for demolition

The Council has been looking for money to speed up the demolition process, due to take over three years with only Council funding. New Deal for Communities (BNDfC) were approached and, if approval is given by the Partnership Board, will contribute £1.5 million to the demolition. John Clark, Chief Executive of BNDfC, told the Messenger:

“We are not just giving the Council the money. In return for our contribution we will have a share in the land. This means that should the land be sold, the community would get a share in that.It will also give us influence over the process of demolition and any future plans for the site.

"We are very concerned about the residents still living on Woodside and hope that our influence can ensure they get they the best deal possible. We do not want this money to put pressure on these residents to move out, this money is to make sure an empty Woodside is demolished quickly for the benefit of those living around Woodside.”

It’s thought that demolition can be completed within one year if the money is awarded.

City Council Response

The asbestos found was in miniscule amounts as part of floor tiles. This material was double bagged, put in a lockable skip and removed the same day.

Demolition too near occupied houses is on hold. We are trying to demolish Woodside quickly on the request of local residents. The decision to begin demolition was made by the project group, which all residents were invited to be part of, they also had a say in where demolition began.

We have 24-hour security guards on each demolition site and Chubb Security drive around the estate three times every night, and are supported by the New Deal Police.

We are very sympathetic to the situation of the remaining tenants and everything is being done to find them suitable homes as quickly as possible.

Decanting residents is an absolute last resort, only towards the end of demolition in February will this be considered.

The £1,500 ‘home loss’ payment is a grant paid after moving, only expenses for removals need to be claimed with receipts.

Jean Burley
Area Housing Manager for Burngreave

 

 

Having read the response from our local Housing Department, with the unhelpful word ‘decant’ (meaning ‘move to temporary accommodation’), I can understand why residents are confused with this jargon and are talking about “being sent to D Camp”.

I’m left asking myself serious questions about official attitudes to what have become horrific scenes of vandalism, danger and treatment of people. Why has demolition started while residents are still living there? And why has an orgy of vandalism obviously gone unchallenged?

The fact is residents are still living inside Woodside in terrible conditions – eligibility, financial and bureaucratic constraints should not be obstacles to speeding up the process for all these people.

 

If you have any housing issues contact Area Housing on
203 9350.

If you have views on the demolition of Woodside, contact the Messenger on
242 0564.

messenger@burngreave.net