On 22nd April,2009,Cllr,Ian Grant announced at the ouncil Meeting that "talks are going on with H,C,A.(English Partnership) concerning Firbeck and Findon".Today is July 17th and we have yet to be offered clarification of that statement which was as much a shock to the Labour Councillors present as it was to myself,Hazel Scully and my colleague for the Campaign against demolition.West Lancs,now Borough,Council,has forced worry and uncertainty on 300 residents for two years and still no light at the end of the tunnel.The wait for the decision on the Kirkby Iniatitive considerably slowed plans for Skelmersdale Town Centre but Cabinet have plans only known to them,plans involving our future,but secret. WHY?
We object to being looked on as second class citizens who can be forced from the homes they CHOSE to live in.Firbeck is a decent estate where people are happy and who should be allowed to live their lives in peace and security - Peace and Security being denied us by W.L.B.C for how long; months,years?
Hazel Scully, Chair and Spokesperson,Firbeck and Findon Campaign.
Friday 17 July 2009
Sunday 27 January 2008
Firbeck to carry on fight
Firbeck families have said they will continue to fight for their homes after last week's announcement that St Modwen has been formally appointed to deliver the Skelmersdale Vision.
Hazel Scully, Leader of the Save Firbeck and Findon Campaign Group, said "the investment of £350+ million may transform the town and as Councillor Geoff Roberts, Leader of the Council said "local residents want and deserve a town centre to be proud of".
Firbeck and Findon homeowners and tenants echo these sentiments, but do not deserve to lose out as a direct result of the retail or private housing projects."
Hazel Scully said Michelle Taylor, regional director of St Modwen offered some fine words last week. But Hazel Scully added:"This is a wonderful opportunity for the town but when people 'make their voices heard' on release of the draft master plan will the voices of Firbect and Findon be heard.
"The months since June 2007 have proved extremely difficult and upsetting for all of us while opposing proposals for possible demolition.
"But we will continue to shout over the coming months the same message 'no to demolition', 'no to people losing their homes.'
"All we want is refurbishment of the area and the very basics of attention from the council.
"While those who think we are not their problem, consider what they would do and how they would feel if they had to face a similar ordeal.
"It is as traumatic for our children as much as it is for the elderly and infirm.
"Our elderly will be removed from where they have settled and feel safe and subsequently dispersed. And the rest of us are expected to be treated in the same way.
"Tenants will be offered existing properties anywhere in Skelmersdale or the district after being placed at the top of the 2,000 plus waiting list.
"So what would be the result of these proposals of demolition for Firbeck and Findon, if they are allowed to happen? Friendships lost, a good neighbourhood lost, a community lost forever.
"Once again we ask the people of Skelmersdale as they view the draft proposals for the town centre to think of Firbeck and Findon."
Hazel Scully, Leader of the Save Firbeck and Findon Campaign Group, said "the investment of £350+ million may transform the town and as Councillor Geoff Roberts, Leader of the Council said "local residents want and deserve a town centre to be proud of".
Firbeck and Findon homeowners and tenants echo these sentiments, but do not deserve to lose out as a direct result of the retail or private housing projects."
Hazel Scully said Michelle Taylor, regional director of St Modwen offered some fine words last week. But Hazel Scully added:"This is a wonderful opportunity for the town but when people 'make their voices heard' on release of the draft master plan will the voices of Firbect and Findon be heard.
"The months since June 2007 have proved extremely difficult and upsetting for all of us while opposing proposals for possible demolition.
"But we will continue to shout over the coming months the same message 'no to demolition', 'no to people losing their homes.'
"All we want is refurbishment of the area and the very basics of attention from the council.
"While those who think we are not their problem, consider what they would do and how they would feel if they had to face a similar ordeal.
"It is as traumatic for our children as much as it is for the elderly and infirm.
"Our elderly will be removed from where they have settled and feel safe and subsequently dispersed. And the rest of us are expected to be treated in the same way.
"Tenants will be offered existing properties anywhere in Skelmersdale or the district after being placed at the top of the 2,000 plus waiting list.
"So what would be the result of these proposals of demolition for Firbeck and Findon, if they are allowed to happen? Friendships lost, a good neighbourhood lost, a community lost forever.
"Once again we ask the people of Skelmersdale as they view the draft proposals for the town centre to think of Firbeck and Findon."
Labour Housing Spokeswoman Councillor Jane Roberts, has slammed council policy on affordable housing in West Lancashire. Sections of the council want the minimum affordable housing on any development to be raised to 25% rather than between 0% and 25%.
Councillor Roberts also strongly opposes the demolition of 200 affordable homes at Firbeck "I think it is big business. Take the new vision for Skelmersdale for instance. I suspect we will end up with something in the middle (of 0% to 25%) such as 200 so we have gained nothing"
"Is there gerrymandering going on?"
Councillor Roberts also strongly opposes the demolition of 200 affordable homes at Firbeck "I think it is big business. Take the new vision for Skelmersdale for instance. I suspect we will end up with something in the middle (of 0% to 25%) such as 200 so we have gained nothing"
"Is there gerrymandering going on?"
Sunday 23 December 2007
Christmas 2007
Uncertainty still hangs over our estate but we will enjoy the festivities and look forward to 2008 with renewed determination to keep the homes we love.
Council have told us for 6 months that "it's only a proposal nothing has been decided" - not good enough.
We have given West Lancashire District Council our own "proposal" - refurbishment - and handed plans (our plan "B") for improvement to the area including external paintings, general maintenance of the area and street cleaning. These 3 programmes were halted to enable to estate to run down as they appear to be doing throughout Skelmersdale. We know this is the case, W.L.D.C. deny it, we live here so we know exactly what the plan is. This plan will not work it only strengthens our resolve to have proposals for demolition removed from regeneration plans for the town centre. The support we have grows by the day through letters of offers of help involving many local agencies and associations, schools, the Green Party (spokesman Peter Cranie), the Ecumenical Centre(spokesman Reverend Mick Neil), the Labour Group led by County Councillor Terry Rice, Firbeck Dental Practice and thousands of Skelmersdale people. The draft proposals have been moved back yet again, they will now be out for public scrutiny in mid March. At that time W.L.D.C. cabinet members have agreed to meet the Campaign Group and hold discussions. At the end of 6 months since we knew of these proposals and nearing New Year we ask the Council and their cabinet to treat us fairly, honestly and with the same respect we afford them. Listen to the people, after all W.L.D.C. maintains they always "want the best" for us. It is time the people of Skelmersdale found their voice and let this Tory run Council know that "enough is enough" and Skelmersdale will decide what it needs.
At a full Council meeting on Wednesday, 12th December, a County Councillor raised the subject of £750,000 which came to the Council "for Skelmersdale", every penny of that money was spent outside in Ormskirk! Is that fair?
W.L.D.C. now intend to close the Cash Offices in the Concourse, Skelmersdale and in Ormskirk on June 30th, 2008. Is that fair?
Firbeck and Findon residents could lose their homes for more (private) to be built. Is that fair?
We are not opposed to the plans to bring the town centre up to date but the land we occupy cannot be so important that we are dispersed and lose our community and our lives to be disrupted for good. How fair can it be if a couple, or single parent, loses a structually sound 3 bedroomed house to end up forcibly in a flat? IT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.
Homeowners to be offered market price plus 10% home loss payment. After working to provide themselves with a home they want for retirement it would be impossible to purchase like for like with such a shameful offer. THAT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.
Council have told us for 6 months that "it's only a proposal nothing has been decided" - not good enough.
We have given West Lancashire District Council our own "proposal" - refurbishment - and handed plans (our plan "B") for improvement to the area including external paintings, general maintenance of the area and street cleaning. These 3 programmes were halted to enable to estate to run down as they appear to be doing throughout Skelmersdale. We know this is the case, W.L.D.C. deny it, we live here so we know exactly what the plan is. This plan will not work it only strengthens our resolve to have proposals for demolition removed from regeneration plans for the town centre. The support we have grows by the day through letters of offers of help involving many local agencies and associations, schools, the Green Party (spokesman Peter Cranie), the Ecumenical Centre(spokesman Reverend Mick Neil), the Labour Group led by County Councillor Terry Rice, Firbeck Dental Practice and thousands of Skelmersdale people. The draft proposals have been moved back yet again, they will now be out for public scrutiny in mid March. At that time W.L.D.C. cabinet members have agreed to meet the Campaign Group and hold discussions. At the end of 6 months since we knew of these proposals and nearing New Year we ask the Council and their cabinet to treat us fairly, honestly and with the same respect we afford them. Listen to the people, after all W.L.D.C. maintains they always "want the best" for us. It is time the people of Skelmersdale found their voice and let this Tory run Council know that "enough is enough" and Skelmersdale will decide what it needs.
At a full Council meeting on Wednesday, 12th December, a County Councillor raised the subject of £750,000 which came to the Council "for Skelmersdale", every penny of that money was spent outside in Ormskirk! Is that fair?
W.L.D.C. now intend to close the Cash Offices in the Concourse, Skelmersdale and in Ormskirk on June 30th, 2008. Is that fair?
Firbeck and Findon residents could lose their homes for more (private) to be built. Is that fair?
We are not opposed to the plans to bring the town centre up to date but the land we occupy cannot be so important that we are dispersed and lose our community and our lives to be disrupted for good. How fair can it be if a couple, or single parent, loses a structually sound 3 bedroomed house to end up forcibly in a flat? IT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.
Homeowners to be offered market price plus 10% home loss payment. After working to provide themselves with a home they want for retirement it would be impossible to purchase like for like with such a shameful offer. THAT'S NOT FAIR AND IT'S NOT RIGHT.
Sunday 2 December 2007
Campaign Group update
Meeting held at Birch Green Ecumenical Centre Wednesday 28th November 2007.
Purpose of meeting: Recognition of the strong support for the Firbeck/Findon Campaign.
It was attended by a number of invited guests, including Labour Councillors, Peter Cranie (guest speaker for the Green Party) and Mrs Leslie Burrows (guest speaker for the Community Partnership).
It was a most interesting meeting, and the chair of the campaign group read out replies received to issues put to the Council regarding Firbeck and Findon's involvement in the town centre regeneration scheme.
One of the questions asked:
What exactly is the proceedure for applying for "homeloss payment", what would be the amount payable, would it have to be applied for and would it affect people on benefit? It was also asked that the homeowners package be clarified.
Answer:
The home loss payment of £4400 is a statutory payment and there is no need to apply.
As for the homeowners there will be a negotiated compensation package available.
Benefits officer, Neil Furey, stated in the meeting that the amount received would be taken into account for those on benefits.
Bob Pendleton (Deputy Leader of the Labour Council) answered questions from the residents.
One question referred to the land Firbeck and Findon presently occupy. The reply was that :the land, if demolition was decided, would be"gifted to St Modwen", the Council would then make a return of whatever was built there.
Mrs Leslie Burrows, Vice Chair of the Skelmersdale Community Partnership spoke in support of the campaign.
Councillor Terry Aldridge spoke and showed his strong support for the campaign to save Firbeck and Findon.
Peter Cranie, on behalf of the Green Party, compared our fight to that taking place in the "Welsh Streets" in Liverpool and gave his full support and backing to our own campaign.
The Campaign Chair announced that we have received response from Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, who was very interested in the comments made in a letter sent to him on behalf of the Campaign Group. He deemed our concerns of importance and has referred our concerns to the Department of Communities & Local Government.
We now await a positive response from the Department of Communities & Local Government.
Purpose of meeting: Recognition of the strong support for the Firbeck/Findon Campaign.
It was attended by a number of invited guests, including Labour Councillors, Peter Cranie (guest speaker for the Green Party) and Mrs Leslie Burrows (guest speaker for the Community Partnership).
It was a most interesting meeting, and the chair of the campaign group read out replies received to issues put to the Council regarding Firbeck and Findon's involvement in the town centre regeneration scheme.
One of the questions asked:
What exactly is the proceedure for applying for "homeloss payment", what would be the amount payable, would it have to be applied for and would it affect people on benefit? It was also asked that the homeowners package be clarified.
Answer:
The home loss payment of £4400 is a statutory payment and there is no need to apply.
As for the homeowners there will be a negotiated compensation package available.
Benefits officer, Neil Furey, stated in the meeting that the amount received would be taken into account for those on benefits.
Bob Pendleton (Deputy Leader of the Labour Council) answered questions from the residents.
One question referred to the land Firbeck and Findon presently occupy. The reply was that :the land, if demolition was decided, would be"gifted to St Modwen", the Council would then make a return of whatever was built there.
Mrs Leslie Burrows, Vice Chair of the Skelmersdale Community Partnership spoke in support of the campaign.
Councillor Terry Aldridge spoke and showed his strong support for the campaign to save Firbeck and Findon.
Peter Cranie, on behalf of the Green Party, compared our fight to that taking place in the "Welsh Streets" in Liverpool and gave his full support and backing to our own campaign.
The Campaign Chair announced that we have received response from Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, who was very interested in the comments made in a letter sent to him on behalf of the Campaign Group. He deemed our concerns of importance and has referred our concerns to the Department of Communities & Local Government.
We now await a positive response from the Department of Communities & Local Government.
Friday 16 November 2007
We read with interest the findings of consultants PPS on the survey conducted in summer 2007 concerning proposed plans for the town centre regeneration(15th November issue).
Whilst out on the town with our petition we were surprised at the number of people who apologised to us because they misunderstood the wording of question 8 of the questionnaire ie remodelling and redevelopment. Both of these words have been understood to mean refurbishment of the Firbeck estate. I,myself, thought that at the time, but learned within a few days of this campaign to save Firbeck and Findon, that "remodelling" means selective demolition and "redevelopment" means entire demolition. We must emphasise no new houses for our residents.
On Friday 9th November a report concerning plans to bulldoze the Welsh Streets, Dingle, Liverpool also mentioned the word "redevelopment". The National Audit Office highlighted in a damning enquiry several similarities to the way West Lancashire District Council have sought views on the situation of Firbeck and Findon estates. For example, quote "the watchdog picks out the Merseyside scheme - one of nine across the North and Midlands for creating heightened stress in the neighbourhoods earmarked for demolition and, specifically, it questions the consultation that led to the hotly fought decision to bulldoze 444 red brick houses in the Welsh Streets".
The watchdog queries why the survey included residents in the surrounding Princes Park area when it was not those residents homes facing the bulldozer.
Toby Evans, the NAO's Audit Manager, said quote "some of the residents we spoke to said the word "redevelopment" was used to describe the proposal when what was planned was demolition".
David Corner, the NAO's Director, said "key recommendations - that surveys should be in demolition zones only and not use "redevelopment" to describe demolition - followed directly from the Welsh Street visit".
Also reported in that article was the fact that worringly the average compensation for residents being rehoused fell £35,000 short of the cost of a new home locally. The Welsh Street's project is a 'pathfinder' project.
We are now asking those people in Skelmersdale who were misled by "redevelopment" and "remodelling" on the questionnaire to write to Hazel Scully, 98 Firbeck, Birch Green, Skelmersdale WN8 6PW or Sandra Porter, 40 Firbeck, Birch Green, Skelmersdale, WN8 6PW.
There will be a meeting for all Firbeck and Findon residents on Wednesday 28th November 2007 at the Main Hall, Ecumencial Centre at 7pm. We are inviting the Labour Group, Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire and the representatives from all agencies and associations who are supporting us to join us at that meeting. Rosie Cooper has a list of issues from us which she is presenting to WLDC for answers. We anticpate answers to those issues to be prepared for the meeting.
Whilst out on the town with our petition we were surprised at the number of people who apologised to us because they misunderstood the wording of question 8 of the questionnaire ie remodelling and redevelopment. Both of these words have been understood to mean refurbishment of the Firbeck estate. I,myself, thought that at the time, but learned within a few days of this campaign to save Firbeck and Findon, that "remodelling" means selective demolition and "redevelopment" means entire demolition. We must emphasise no new houses for our residents.
On Friday 9th November a report concerning plans to bulldoze the Welsh Streets, Dingle, Liverpool also mentioned the word "redevelopment". The National Audit Office highlighted in a damning enquiry several similarities to the way West Lancashire District Council have sought views on the situation of Firbeck and Findon estates. For example, quote "the watchdog picks out the Merseyside scheme - one of nine across the North and Midlands for creating heightened stress in the neighbourhoods earmarked for demolition and, specifically, it questions the consultation that led to the hotly fought decision to bulldoze 444 red brick houses in the Welsh Streets".
The watchdog queries why the survey included residents in the surrounding Princes Park area when it was not those residents homes facing the bulldozer.
Toby Evans, the NAO's Audit Manager, said quote "some of the residents we spoke to said the word "redevelopment" was used to describe the proposal when what was planned was demolition".
David Corner, the NAO's Director, said "key recommendations - that surveys should be in demolition zones only and not use "redevelopment" to describe demolition - followed directly from the Welsh Street visit".
Also reported in that article was the fact that worringly the average compensation for residents being rehoused fell £35,000 short of the cost of a new home locally. The Welsh Street's project is a 'pathfinder' project.
We are now asking those people in Skelmersdale who were misled by "redevelopment" and "remodelling" on the questionnaire to write to Hazel Scully, 98 Firbeck, Birch Green, Skelmersdale WN8 6PW or Sandra Porter, 40 Firbeck, Birch Green, Skelmersdale, WN8 6PW.
There will be a meeting for all Firbeck and Findon residents on Wednesday 28th November 2007 at the Main Hall, Ecumencial Centre at 7pm. We are inviting the Labour Group, Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire and the representatives from all agencies and associations who are supporting us to join us at that meeting. Rosie Cooper has a list of issues from us which she is presenting to WLDC for answers. We anticpate answers to those issues to be prepared for the meeting.
Wednesday 14 November 2007
We are an action group representing a small community of 149 tenants and 48 homeowners in Firbeck and Findon, Skelmersdale, Lancashire. Since June 22nd, 2007 we have been fighting a proposal to demolish our homes which could be certain by February, 2008. This is a proposal included in plans for regeneration of the town centre.
An improved town centre would be of benefit to us as a community but we are deeply upset that the Council and Planners are of a mind to demolish our much loved homes.
Many of the council tenants have lived on the estate for over 20 years and very much enjoy living here. The home owners have also lived here for many years but our Conservative Council are being insensitive to the fact that we are the people who matter.
There will be no properties to accommodate any of our residents. The offer for tenants is up to £4000 to give up their homes plus removal costs to go to a void existing council property. Couples and single parents will be offered 1 or 2 bedroom flats, we now have 3 bedroom homes. Homeowners will be offered market price plus 10% ( for their inconvenience of losing their property) plus removal costs, no one would be able to purchase like for like for that amount of money in Skelmersdale.
The Council insist no decision has yet been made about Firbeck and Findon but time is something we have very little of to oppose vehemently the very fact that demolition could be an option.
Our elderly and children are also distressed and we have been left since the end of June 2007 until a decision is made. Our opposition is very strong and we have taken a petition out to the town to ask for support in our opposition to demolition proposals. As the results of our petition prove the town's people agree that we should not lose our homes and we have their full support with 4,ooo+ signatures on our petition .
An improved town centre would be of benefit to us as a community but we are deeply upset that the Council and Planners are of a mind to demolish our much loved homes.
Many of the council tenants have lived on the estate for over 20 years and very much enjoy living here. The home owners have also lived here for many years but our Conservative Council are being insensitive to the fact that we are the people who matter.
There will be no properties to accommodate any of our residents. The offer for tenants is up to £4000 to give up their homes plus removal costs to go to a void existing council property. Couples and single parents will be offered 1 or 2 bedroom flats, we now have 3 bedroom homes. Homeowners will be offered market price plus 10% ( for their inconvenience of losing their property) plus removal costs, no one would be able to purchase like for like for that amount of money in Skelmersdale.
The Council insist no decision has yet been made about Firbeck and Findon but time is something we have very little of to oppose vehemently the very fact that demolition could be an option.
Our elderly and children are also distressed and we have been left since the end of June 2007 until a decision is made. Our opposition is very strong and we have taken a petition out to the town to ask for support in our opposition to demolition proposals. As the results of our petition prove the town's people agree that we should not lose our homes and we have their full support with 4,ooo+ signatures on our petition .
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