Council claims disputed

Published on 9th October 2008 in Letters

Sir - Just who does Sally Burns think she's kidding? In her letter 'Sole aim to improve quality of life' (Goole Times, September 18) the statement that in 2004 Richard Cooper Street was suffering with "lots of empty properties" is just untrue.

In December, 2004 there were in fact only five, one of which was owned by Church Housing. Considering the number of houses in Richard Cooper Street this figure was the lowest percentage number of voids per street in Shuffleton. Also, at the time ERYC announced their plans to demolish Phoenix Street and Richard Cooper Street, houses there were still selling in less than three weeks, hardly a symptom of a failing market. Strangely, a large amount of the drugs and anti-social behaviour she speaks of was attributed to tenants of the housing association properties. The same housing association that ERYC proudly proclaim as their partners in the redevelopment of this site, should they ever acquire the remaining properties.

As for the design brief consultation, this was the same consultation that refused to consider renovation, and continued to ignore its own research statistics that showed that there was a 3:1 majority in favour of renovation. Goole Action Group will continue with its own objective to provide sustainable quality, low-cost housing and will be submitting its own proposal to ERYC to renovate the 117 homes to a very high standard while providing a street scene and environment that will be the envy of the surrounding streets.

Alan Wilson

Boothferry Road, Goole