Flats sale may not solve social problems

Jun 20 2002 By Helen Harper, Caernarfon And Denbigh Herald

VILLAGERS are angered by a company's decision to sell on a property with some problem tenants, rather than solve the issue.

In October 1998 Carlton Management, from Wrexham, bought the Horeb Chapel Flats, in County Road, Penygroes: since then, villagers have become increasingly concerned by the activities of some of those living in the flats.

Worried villagers and community councillors met on Tuesday and were told by a Carlton Management representative the company intended to sell the building, which might include sitting tenants.

County Cllr Alun Ffred Jones said: "A number of County Road residents have been complaining about the behaviour of some of the tenants since the place opened a number of years ago, from violent behaviour, disturbances at night, and people begging for money.

"They are so worried about the consequences that they won't even speak out because they fear reprisals. The situation is intolerable. We had a meeting with Yvonne Jones from Carlton Management a few weeks ago and she promised to take action.

"We understood that the property would be vacated, and at another meeting on Tuesday, she said they are within a few weeks of selling the property."

Carlton Management would not disclose who was interested in buying the property, and now residents fear that the new owners will keep the building as residential flats.

Cllr Jones continued: "This does not alleviate the problem in any shape or form. We want to ask the new owners for a meeting and also for certain reassurances.

"We believe Carlton has mishandled the situation and now is washing its hands of serious social problems."

The Herald spoke to a number of villagers who complained that some tenants from the flats had knocked on their doors late at night asking for money or to use the phone. They also complain of fights and arguments in the street.

Some residents have even said that they would prefer to see the building knocked down, than continue as flats.

Yvonne Jones, housing manager for Carlton Management, said about the Horeb Chapel building: "It is on the market and an offer has been made. It is more than a possibility that it will be sold with sitting tenants.

"There have been notices to all tenants and we are taking current action against two tenants. The tenants have shorthold tenancies and have a right to six months before we can take action to evict.

"Carlton has a policy of selling some of the smaller developments to concentrate on larger manageable flats. It is not the first one we have sold."