Disgrace of Eastcheap's empty homes (Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats)

Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats <info@newcastle-libdems.org.uk>

Disgrace of Eastcheap's empty homes

August 12, 2009 3:40 PM
Originally published by Greg Stone

Lib Dem spokesman for Newcastle East and councillor for North Heaton Greg Stone has highlighted the scandal of empty homes in the North Heaton area.

A new housing development of 6 bungalows was completed on Eastcheap off Addycombe Terrace well over twelve months ago, but have remained unsold and unoccupied ever since.

Efforts by local Lib Dem councillors to get the Your Homes Newcastle ALMO to take over the empty homes have however gone unrewarded, as they have been advised that the asking price is too high and the building standards are not acceptable.

Greg Stone said "It seems bizarre that these properties have stood unused for over a year at a time when many older people tell me they would like to downsize into a bungalow. We have approached Your Homes Newcastle to ask whether they could be taken on as council-owned accommodation for older people, but we have been told that this is not possible. We will however push the council to make use of empty homes legislation to enable these properties to be brought into suitable use by older people who need housing."