A man was left furious and disturbed after being sent a letter from his housing association.
Raymond Remejkis, 69, from Seaforth was sent a letter from One Vision Housing on Saturday, June 24, telling him he was being relocated from his home of eight years. The letter said the choice was made after investigations following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The letter read: "You may be aware that since the Grenfell Tower disaster, we have been reviewing the investment required in all of our high-rise blocks to ensure the safety and security of tenants living in them. With this in mind, investigations into Alexander House have identified that the block requires substantial investment to bring it up to acceptable standards and, unfortunately, these investment needs mean that the block is no longer economically viable.
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"It is with considerable reluctance, therefore, that One Vision Housing has taken the decision to rehouse all residents on a permanent basis."
In a frequently asked questions sheet that came with the letter One Vision Housing said they "intend to demolish the building" and that people would be unable to return.
After receiving the letter Raymond said he felt "disturbed" by the thought of moving from his home on the top floor of the 16-storey flat block.
He told The ECHO: "There are 68 flats in here and I found it really disturbing reading the letter. I received the letter from One Vision two days ago [Saturday].
"It's very upsetting, I have lived here for eight years and I think the block has only been here about 10 years. In that time I've made this place my own and spent a lot of money doing stuff to it and fixing the doors for them to tell me they're going to relocate it and demolish it.
"Why not keep the community together? I don't want to be up rooted."
Alexander House has stood in Seaforth for a number of years but a huge £20m re-development for the building, along with Montgomery House and Churchill House was approved in 2009. The investment saw the building be completely modernised.
Raymond said his biggest worry is being moved away from his "outstanding" neighbours and the community inside the flat block.
He said: "I adore it here. I have outstanding neighbours and we go outside and sit on the benches downstairs and just chat.
"This is my life. I just don't understand why they're demolishing the place and destroying the community. Fair enough if they give people the option to leave, let the people who want to leave go.
"But let us who want to stay, stay. There are people in their 60s and 70s here who don't want to move and will find it very difficult."
One Vision Housing were approached for comment
Full One Vision Housing letter
Hopefully, by the time you receive this letter, we will have had the opportunity to discuss the contents with you in person.
If we have not yet spoken to you in person, it is because our Neighbourhood Services Officers, who are on site today, have been unable to reach you; perhaps you were out at the time they called. However, we felt it important to leave this letter so that you can understand the current situation and be advised directly by One Vision Housing, rather than hearing it second hand from one of your neighbours.
We would ask that you contact your Decant Officer, REDACTED as a priority, so that she can discuss the matter with you, in more detail and in person. You may be aware that since the Grenfell Tower disaster, we have been reviewing the investment required in all of our high-rise blocks to ensure the safety and security of tenants living in them.
At One Vision Housing, our priority is to maintain all of our homes to the highest possible standards, and to ensure the comfort, safety and security of our valued tenants. With this in mind, investigations into Alexander House have identified that the block requires substantial investment to bring it up to acceptable standards and, unfortunately, these investment needs mean that the block is no longer economically viable.
It is with considerable reluctance, therefore, that One Vision Housing has taken the decision to rehouse all residents on a permanent basis. Whilst this will come as a shock to you, the decision has been made with your safety and comfort in mind.
I would emphasise that there is no immediate danger, however the long-term Housing. Investment requirements are such that permanent rehousing is the only option available to One Vision.
We recognise the significance of this decision and would like to give you assurances that we will support you throughout the rehousing process and have identified a dedicated member of our team, REDACTED, to work with you and help support you through the process.
We will do our utmost to meet any specific support needs that you may have, and you will be given the highest priority for housing on the waiting list. Additionally, we will make every effort to rehouse you, both into the acommodation and the area of your choice, which best suits your housing needs.
If you have a carer, social worker or other support, we will be pleased to work with them to find you an alternative, suitable home. Included with this letter, you find a number of documents which we hope will help to explain the next steps.
This includes frequently asked questions, and compensation support and guidance. All tenants will be entitled to support with removals costs and additionally will be entitled to home loss payment should they have lived in the block for over 12 months.
Also included is a printed version of the resident decant survey which will help us to better understand your housing requirements and preferences. There is also an electronic version which we can send to you by email should you prefer to complete it via this method.
Please read this carefully, and answer all the questions, and return it to us once completed. Should you need help and support in completing the form, or any other documents, please let us know, and a Neighbourhood Services Officer will be pleased to assist you.
I would like to give you assurances that our Neighbourhood Services Team will be in touch with you throughout this process and are available at your request to discuss either the contents of this letter and /or answer any other questions that you may have. Once again, please accept my apologies if this news is upsetting in any way.
I would seek to assure you that the decision has been made after careful consideration and deliberation, and the alternatives considered. Unfortunately, there is no realistic alternative to rehousing given the investment needs required and I would take the opportunity to thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to discuss the matter further.
Yours sincerely,
lan Mitchell - Managing Director for Housing
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