Dear Sir,
Livin have proclaimed in both the Newton News and the Northern Echo that they are listening to the residents of West Ward. They have a team of specialists on hand to offer help and support. But are they really listening? Have they answered any of the questions/concerns raised by residents? NO!
In fact after reading the article in the 9th May Northern Echo, we are left with more questions and more confusion.
In the Newton News, Livin state they knew the estate was experiencing problems including high levels of anti social behaviour, low demand for homes, high levels of deprivation, low property values and poor run down play areas. But this doesn’t stand up to scrutiny so where have they got their information from?
The actual figures show very low recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour for each street. The data was obtained from crime-statistics.co.uk using postcode DL5 7DT which is the postcode for Eskdale Place.
The photo shows one of two play areas in the West Ward which are not run down as Livin say, but in fact are well maintained, clean and tidy.
They mention high levels of deprivation but this isn’t exactly true either, yes, it is a poorer part of town but it is no worse than many other areas of Newton Aycliffe. And also if this social cleansing is allowed to go ahead what impact would that have on the local economy? The people who live there aren’t rich but they are the people who work in the care homes, hospitals, delivery drivers, Tesco staff, office workers, cleaners, mechanics, taxi drivers etc. If all these people are forced out of the town who will do these jobs, and what effect will it have on the town?
Alan Boddy, director of operations for Livin stated in May 9th Echo: “In recent weeks, there has been significant discussion about the future of the Western Estate in Newton Aycliffe. Some of this has been factual and correct but unfortunately some of it has been misrepresentative and upsetting.”
Now when I read this I nearly choked on my cup of tea, but I am assuming that the factual and correct part refers to the Newton News, GARA, Arun Chandrun, and the concerned residents, and the misrepresentative and upsetting refers to Livin.
Mr. Boddy went on to say “There are of course other options for residents to choose – option two involves partial demolition and option one involves some environmental and property improvements.” This of course is news to us!
So having read the article in the Echo can Livin please explain just what they mean by partial demolition in option 2, as up until then there is no mention of demolition anywhere in Option 2.
Can Livin also explain just what areas are the magnets for antisocial behaviour and provide data to back it up.
This consultation is a joke, it is a waste of government money and a blatant attempt to profit from the poor, the low paid, the elderly and the sick. In fact in my opinion Livin should be made to pay back every damned penny.
Name and address supplied
