Complaints about Boarded Up Houses
In most communities there is usually a building or a sign that spoils the view of something beautiful or scenic. This is the case in the village of Hadston in Northumberland where two empty bungalows have remained boarded up for some time and are causing an eyesore to its residents and visitors to the village.
After the village experienced flooding due to a nearby draining system overflowing three years ago the houses were damaged along with many other properties in the surrounding areas. The bungalows located on Hedgehope Crescent have remained vacant ever since.
A local county councilman, Councillor Glen Sanderson has complained about the houses saying that the two properties are spoiling the overall appearance in the area. In light of the recent community action week held at the village, he feels that they should be renovated sooner rather than later in order to allow families in need of housing to move in, otherwise they will just be allowed to deteriorate further. He added that during the action week, he and other agencies had taken part in daily walkabouts around the village in order to identify other initiatives that required attention.
Councillor Sanderson stated that he receives constant requests for housing from the local public and that the locals are keen to have these houses restored and the drainage system enhanced. He confirmed that the two properties are under the ownership of Castle Morpeth Housing.
A neighbour of the properties, Susan Russell commented that the houses are attracting youngsters who are causing further damage to the houses as well as anti social gatherings. She feels that the flooding situation needs to be sorted out before they allow anyone to move into the houses.
A spokesperson from Castle Morpeth Housing stated that as the properties had been vacant for some time now and due to the flooding troubles that occur in the area that they were unable to let the properties at this time. They did state that appraisals were being carried out to see if anything further could be done.
Community Action Week
Towards the end of July the Castle Morpeth Housing Association, Northumberland County Council, the Police and the Coquet Partnership all worked together in order to solve problems within the community and bring everyone closer together. Activities during the week included advice sessions and even fishing at Druridge Bay as well as daily patrols around the village.
A representative from each agency was on hand to give advice to villagers about improving the community and answering any questions they might have. Representing the Northumbria Police was PC Paul Dent who gave advice regarding crime prevention while Sara Jenson-Boon from the Coquet Partnership was there to give advice on how people can change their environment.
Castle Morpeth Housing
This housing association was established in October 2007 and is part of the Isos Group. At present they manage over two thousand homes formerly owned by the Castle Borough Council.
