Demolition hope for derelict properties blighting city estate

Tenants on north Bransholme voted for a change in social landlord in April – clearing the way for their homes to be transferred from Hull Council to Liverpool-based Riverside Housing Association.

Cabinet members will be presented with a number of options to progress the deal on Monday. It is likely that the negotiations will continue on the terms of the transfer and councillors will be given another update in September.

But consideration will also be given to allowing Strategic Director of Housing, Pauline Davis, to start dealing with the derelict properties causing problems to residents.

Some 109 properties are recommended for demolition.

They are mainly homes that have been empty for so long and are now so ramshackle that they are not economic to repair, according to a report.

Housing officials have underlined that the dereliction was hitting property prices, attracting yobs and vandals, denting local pride, and even making people ill.

Ms Davis said: "The overall effect on residents of north Bransholme of living with long-term empty properties is to reduce the confidence, pride and popularity of the area and have a resultant negative financial and environmental impact on property and property values.

"People, especially elderly residents, living in properties neighbouring or in close proximity to long-term empty homes can feel afraid and apprehensive of the future of their community.

"In addition, the problems of vandalism and vermin infestation can have a serious impact on both the mental and physical health of residents. Residents will benefit from refurbishment and demolition plans."

As reported by the Yorkshire Post, nearly 65 per cent of the residents took part in the vote, which affects 1,183 properties, while Labour activists and trade unionists fought to convince them that they should stay with the local authority.

The pro-transfer lobby argued that the transfer would lead to improvements to housing beyond those the council could afford and people on the estate would get more jobs and training opportunities.