Brother and sister fight demolition of late mother’s house

Peter Simpkin and his sister Heather Hamilton, both 59, have been battling with Hull Council for four years over the Victorian house, thought to be linked with the former Hull to Withernsea line,

Council officers moved their mother Rosemary Simpkin from the house at 41, Dover Street, to a council-owned flat in 2007 after judging it unfit to live in.

At the time the siblings were negotiating to buy the house for £25,000, but the council then discovered it was causing damage to the next-door property and served a demolition order a few months before Mrs Simpkin died in April 2010.

Mr Simpkin says the council should have negotiated with them and believes the house – which was built in the 1870s and has a rare mansard roof – can be saved.

He also says the council cleared out furnishings and fittings from the house – including books, pictures and fireplaces – without permission.

The council insists, however, it has acted by the book and demolition work is set to start today.

Mr Simpkin said: “This has been going on for four years and I have sent hundreds of letters to the council. My sister and I have been upset and distressed by this.”

Hull Council said: “The council has endeavoured to work with all parties to find a solution for the property which has been subject to a demolition order since February 2010.”