ARCHIVED news story
Council chairman sees affordable homes strategy in action
Released on 17 November 2003
Tenant and mother-of-three Sylvia Meadows of Harleston has welcomed the commitment of South Norfolk Council Chairman the Rev Clive Hudson and Wherry Housing Association to join tenants in building a strong community at Beck View.
Cllr Hudson, who represents Beck View as part of his Harleston ward, was visiting homes on the small estate following a deal involving the council, the Wherry, and the landlord which saved tenants in 14 homes from eviction.
Cllr Hudson called in on Sylvia with Wherry housing officer Mehmet Yaman to hear her thoughts following the rescue deal and to discuss how the estate is moving forward.
Over tea in the kitchen, overlooking fields, woods and the beck behind her home, which gives the estate its name, they discussed a number of issues, including the need for a children’s play area. Cllr Hudson said he would take up the idea with council officers.
Sylvia, who has lived at Beck View for the last two and a half years, said: “For the last nine months, the community at Beck View have pulled together to stop this eviction, and we are grateful to the council and Wherry for helping us through this.
"We are stronger for it, but now it is time to move on. There are lots of families with children here, and we could do with a safe environment for them to play in. I mentioned this to Clive in our meeting and he has said he will raise this with the council.”
Clive Hudson said: “I know the tenants at Beck View well, and the threat of eviction has brought them closer together. I’m proud of the way this Council and Wherry Housing Association have mirrored that unity and worked together to stop the eviction and save these homes.
“I know the tenants will now build on that strong community spirit and work with us to bring about the improvements they want for their children. We all know that housing is a huge challenge. The Beck View experience reminds us that in the end, it is about people like Sylvia and her family. “
Kassie Melnyk, head of housing for Anglia Group, which owns Wherry Housing Association said: “By working in partnership with South Norfolk Council to buy the properties at Beck View, we are also working with the Government’s agenda to prevent homelessness. We look forward to providing quality housing management services to the tenants and we would like to wish them continuing happiness in their homes.”
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