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Hackney on track for 'zero squatted homes'
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Hackney Homes is on track to reduce the number of squatted council homes in the borough to zero - thanks to a successful cross-cutting partnership approach to tackling the problem.
There are currently only five squatted homes left – a reduction of 18 from March 2006 when there were 23 squats.
This winning approach is the result of close working with the local Police and Safer Neighbourhood teams and measures include permanently securing properties on the day of their vacation and
employing 24 hour security guard dog patrols.
Chair of Hackney Homes Rupert Tyson said: “We’ve had a long standing problem of empty homes being squatted in Hackney – often on housing estates where regeneration schemes are
about to start – so we are delighted we are on track to eradicate this blight from our estates.
"This news will bring much needed respite to local people as many of the squatters were involved in criminal activities which had a negative affect on the lives of those residents living
nearby.
“It’s vital we crack this problem as squatters deprive those living in temporary accommodation, from quickly moving into a new home.”
Hackney residents who suspect that a property is squatted can call the estate safety team in confidence on 0208 356 3333.
lapplegate
Commented 74 weeks ago
It seems that Rupert Tyson is being deliberately misleading here, if quoted correctly.
If the squatters are often squatting derelict estates waiting for regeneration schemes, then not only would they be incapable of denying people currently in temporary housing of a home (as this place is currently unavailable for housing) but they would also have no neighbours to infringe on.
The issue of neighbours is also a deliberately misleading comment. If there are crimes been commited in squatted residences then the inhabitants can be arrested and charged. If there are problems with drugs then the Police can use the Crack House act to enter and close it. If it is neccessary to take squatters to court to gain a possession order then it is unlikely that there are criminal activities occuring, especially surrounding drugs.
I suggest that if Hackney Council are going to keep evicting squatters from their properties then they might like to think about the impact it will have on their homeless statistics and their other services.