[Busman747]

Over the past year, I have come to love the stone-build terrace houses in Accy. As I drive along Blackburn Road and see the more modern brick homes I almost cringe, they seem so out of place!

In most cases, the outside walls are good even though they are 100 years old and an investment of probably less than £30,000.00 on each would regenerate the houses for decades to come.

On the other hand, if someone with money was to gain them through compulsory purchase, demolish them and build "modern" houses, they could either sell them at premium prices (in excess of 6 figures) or rent them out to those that can afford them for "southern" prices as they will be "in a desirable area!"

In essence, what project Phoenix is doing is to take away the affordable housing available in Accy and replacing it with nondescript housing that is priced out of reach of the average worker in the area.

I presently live in Primrose Street, Accy. and at some point in the past, H.B.C. spent a lot of money rebuilding exterior walls/railings and cleaning stonework and it is a pleasure to drive into my street now even though the houses are close to the age of houses earmarked for demolition just down the road.............

Perhaps one of the problems stems from the fact that H.B.C. have always been unable to control the lack of interest from landlords who "unofficially" rent out their premises without regard for the law of the land. There are many safeguards in place, but in Accy, action is seldom taken, therefore properties deteriorate..........

What Accy needs is "guts leadership!"

1) Invest money into every house in ****** street,

2) Put pressure on landlords to maintain their houses to a reasonable condition,

3) If a "tenant" fails to look after the property he/she is in, pressurise the landlord to kick them out, give the landlord financial backing to do this!

4) If a landlord shows no interest, GET A COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER! and be able to buy out the landlord (at present compulsory purchace prices)

5) Make it illegal to privately arrange a tenants agreement...........go through the legal requirements...or don't rent!

Accy could be good again, but it needs councillors that are prepared to force home the legal requirements of home owning and to kick out those who regard Accy as an "easy target"

Spend 2 years getting rid of the "undesirables" and relish in the admiration of the true Acciers!!!!!!

You want my vote, and countless others, Thats THE WAY TO GET IT!