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Tenants united over evictions
DOZENS of worried tenants joined forces at a public meeting last night to fight plans to boot them out of their homes.
Around 25 Crookes residents turned out to a public meeting last night after many received eviction letters telling them to quit their homes.
The letters came out of the blue and panicked some people who had been told to leave within two months.
But last night tenants from the privately-rented properties pledged to stick together and fight owners The Grainger Trust.
Coun John Hesketh pledged to organise another meeting and enlist the help of a legal expert from the council to advise residents.
Tim Allen, organiser of the meeting said: "We need to establish how many there are of us affected and see what we can do. It is better than trying to do this on our own.
Tim, aged 33, of Stothard Road, added: "We need to see if they are open to negotiation and whether we can have more time."
Many tenants have rented their properties for years or re-decorated - only to be told their time is up.
Richard Burkinshaw, 34, of Netherfield Road, said: "We moved in in December and we were told it was ok to keep our tenancy on after six months. Then the next minute they want us out. We have done the place up - we've plastered, decorated and put a new bathroom in. We have done all that work for nothing."
Neighbour Nina Wilson, 53, has lived in her home for nine years.
She said: "I feel absolutely gutted. My friends all live there, I don't want to move away. Someone has suggested making them take us to court to delay it but maybe they will just put the rent up so high that we can't afford it, to force us out."
A spokeswoman for property owners The Grainger Trust said the company purchased 65 properties in South Yorkshire from the Ancient Order of Foresters in January 2005.
She said: "Of the 65 properties, 39 had tenants with short term tenancy agreements. Notices requiring possession have been issued on 18 of these.
"Since we acquired the portfolio we have communicated with these tenants and have offered them the opportunity to negotiate to purchase the properties.We are committed to fulfilling our obligations under the relevant Housing Acts and have offered everyone in excess of the statutory two months notice to vacate the property.
"We appreciate this is a difficult time and we are happy to discuss the concerns of individual tenants,"she added.
The council's housing aid service can advise on private housing, including tenants who face eviction. They can be contacted via the council's website at www.sheffield.gov.uk or on 0114 2735450.
Anyone who has been sent a letter should leave their name and contact details, including type of tenancy, at the councillors' town hall office on 0114 2735517.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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