Like the various residents who will now be able to remain in their homes, we were delighted when the sale of the property at Raynesfield was halted (Boris backs down, December 4).

From talking regularly to residents, we know just how frustrated they were at being left in limbo. Together with Stephen Hammond MP and Richard Tracey AM, we were therefore pleased to be able to initiate the recent visit to Raynesfield by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime so that he could meet residents and see the situation for himself. 

It was as a direct result of these discussions that the Deputy Mayor signed a formal decision to halt the sale process and also introduced new guidelines for how such cases are handled in future. We are glad to say that, under the new MOPAC guidance, residents would not be forced to move out as a result of a property sale. 

The one big question that remains from this whole unfortunate episode however is why there aren’t enough affordable homes in Merton. Under this Labour administration, the council is missing its target of making 40% of all new homes affordable. Instead of trying to deflect attention from his own failings with political point scoring, Councillor Judge should get on with his job of ensuring all residents have access to affordable housing in our borough.

Councillor Brian Lewis-Lavender

Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender

Conservative Councillors for West Barnes Ward

 


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