The huge scale of the regeneration plans for three of our local housing estates makes it more important than ever that residents' views are heard and their interests properly protected ('Master Plan for Estates', 3 July 2014).

Merton has a once in a generation chance to improve the lives of thousands of families and it's crucial we get it right. That means learning from the mistakes of the past by ensuring a good mix of housing for the future. Yet, instead of replacing sub-standard flats with the high quality homes and gardens that residents say they want, Labour plans to cram over 1000 more households into the existing sites.

Unfortunately the way this whole regeneration project has been handled so far leaves a lot to be desired. Despite the various concerns expressed by tenants, leaseholders and freeholders of the housing estates, Labour seem happy just to wave the proposals through without proper scrutiny and safeguards.

At this month's Council meeting, Labour councillors - including those purporting to represent the wards affected - were all ready to rubber stamp the latest recommendations, which included the suspension of CHMP’s obligation to maintain properties, just as the Labour Cabinet had done last month. However I am pleased to say that a Conservative amendment will ensure there is now further consultation with residents of the High Path, Eastfields and Ravensbury estates and more in depth public scrutiny of both the redevelopment project itself and Circle Housing's below par performance on repairs.

Merton's Conservative Councillors believe the council has a duty of care to everyone living on our housing estates, whether tenants, leaseholders or freeholders. That's why, rather than simply rolling over and accepting Circle Housing's poor repairs and maintenance record and their widely criticised consultation, we are determined to hold them to account on behalf of local residents.

Cllr Janice Howard

Conservative Housing Spokesman

 

 

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