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Page Created 1st July 2009

Exasperated resident turns to Julian for help 25th June 2009

Local authorities have powers to deal with empty and rundown properties. The Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO) are the most well known and this allows local authorities to let empty properties. There are also a number of other statues (the Building Act 1984 is one example) that can be used against owners who allow their properties to become dilapidated. Trees and shrubs cannot be allowed to obstruct highways, and those that overhang neighbouring gardens can be pruned so long as the clippings are passed back.

Now this may be stating the obvious, but for one resident in South Benfleet it seems these rules do not apply. Mick Harvey of Philmead Road, South Benfleet has tried a number of avenues in his desperate plight to have something done about the adjoining property. His semi-detached bungalow is attached to a dilapidated property with a wilderness in both front and back gardens.

L to R. B.Wilson, M.Harvey & J. Ware-Lane

He contacted Julian Ware-Lane, Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point, via Labour councillor Brian Wilson.

Mick Harvey said: "I am just worried about the state of the property – will it damage my property? There are concerns about vermin and the damaged and neglected roof must be letting in rain. It is bringing me down."

Julian said: "I was happy to be contacted by Mick Harvey, and shocked to see what he and his wife have had to put up with. Not only is the neighbouring property an eyesore, it could damage their own home."

"With so many on housing waiting lists a bungalow like this, after some remedial work, would make a lovely home for a young family. If the owner, who I understand only rarely visits his property, really does not live here then I would hope that Castle Point Borough Council will use the available powers."

Brian Wilson, Labour councillor for St.Mary's ward, in which the property is situated said "it is disappointing that things have come to this. I have contacted the council offers and have been told that there is little they can do, which isn't what both Mr Harvey and I want to hear."

A neighbour told Julian "I have lived here for 22 years and it has been an eyesore the whole time. It has deteriorated and deteriorated."

Another resident stated that "the owner occasionally appears for a five a ten minute visit. There is power in the property since we see the lights go on."

Both Julian Ware-Lane and Brian Wilson will be urging the local authority to use all its powers to do something to help Mr Harvey in his plight.

"It might be that the owner of the dilapidated property has problems; without investigation we will not know. What we do know is that the current situation is unacceptable" added Julian.

"I wonder how many other properties in Castle Point are causing misery" added Julian, "if anyone wants to contact me with similar problems I will be happy to do what I can."