Angry residents launch petition

Aug 28 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

MORE than 200 people have signed a petition against the future use of a £250,000 detached house in Netherton.

Angry neighbours have vowed to campaign to stop North Lanarkshire Council and Sanctuary Housing Association using the house for a “supported living programme”.

Concerned neighbours want answers as to why the four-bedroomed house with a detached double garage in Witcutt Way had been acquired to house two people.

The residents last week formed an action group (Netherton Family Action Group) and began to gather names for a petition.

A spokesperson for NFAG said: “We are all still very angry about the lack of consultation we received from both the council and Sanctuary Housing Association.

“We feel very strongly about what happens in our community and are committed to getting answers as to why this house was chosen and why no-one, including the four elected councillors for the area, knew anything about it.

“Once we have gathered all the names on our petition we will present this to the council’s social work department.”

Mary Castles, North Lanarkshire Council’s director of social work, said they would give full consideration to any petition received.

The house was purchased by Sanctuary Housing Association for £258,000, which, the council say, was less than the independent market valuation of the property.

The association is a charitable organisation and housing provider.

They manage over 70,000 homes throughout Scotland and England.

North Lanarkshire Council contributed £196,000 to the purchase, using grant funding.

Council chiefs say the money was transferred to them from an NHS budget.

That budget is used to accommodate patients moved into the community following hospital closure programmes.

Council officials last week defended their actions. A spokesman said: “Occasionally there are circumstances where there is no suitable housing provision available and it is necessary to make a contribution towards the purchase of a house, as is the case in this instance. This was done through a proportionate contribution in line with normal policy.

“The council work in partnership with a range of partners, including housing associations, to meet the housing needs of the area.”

Residents now plan to hold a public meeting in Netherton Community Hall on Wednesday, September 10.

All residents are invited to the meeting which takes place from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

A representative from the council and Sanctuary Housing Association will be asked to attend.