Residents are ‘at breaking point’ in housing complex

Work on Daisy Haye is criticised as ‘shambolic’ by town councillor

ISSUES surrounding a flagship housing complex have been described as “disgraceful”.

Work required at the Daisy Haye complex in Leek, pictured right, was raised at last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands community overview and scrutiny panel when a performance update by Your

Housing Group was presented to councillors.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Charlotte Atkins said: “Daisy Haye was built just seven years ago. Scaffolding has now been up for 17 months.

“We were told work to the roof was required, yet it is not finished. It is disgraceful.

“There have also been issues with flooding. At a meeting in August we were told that only the garden visible to the public would be maintained. All this but fees have gone up.

“Some flats are empty. This was a flagship development between Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Your Housing.

“Some residents are now depressed. They are at breaking point and they have suffered.

“People are frightened what will come next.

“I hope Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will show some responsibility.

“Why is this happening and what is the way forward? It is shambolic and a disaster area.”

In reply, Your Housing representative Paula Marshall said: “Your Housing is disappointed that we have to spend so much money over a short period.

“We have had to keep some flats empty while on site.

“We are also upgrading kitchens while on site. I will talk to the team about the gardens.” Meanwhile, in a report to councillors, Your Housing Group stated they were still exploring the option to deliver 21 new-build units on the Well Street site in Cheadle, which is currently owned by the Group, subject to Treasury and Board approval.

The report also stated Your Housing Group are continuing working with Casey Development to unlock the development of the former Barnfield Hughes concrete plant on Sunnyhills Road, Leek. The plan is to deliver a range of two-bed, three-bed and four-bedroomed housing for shared ownership and rent to buy.

However, the report adds that the local authority is linking the development with the creation of a marina on an adjacent site, which may inhibit the Group’s ability to deliver the scheme within the timescales required by Homes England, and therefore, may lead to the Group having to consider options.

Cheadle councillor Ian Plant said: “The issue with Well Street in Cheadle has been ongoing for a number of years.

“It is an eyesore. We are told plans are in the pipeline. How far off are we from plans being submitted?”

Sharon Wheeler, regional

housing manager, South, said she would get back with the information.

In her presentation to councillors, the housing manager said: “There are key items planned for housing management.

“Local teams are to be

put in on a neighbourhood basis. They have more local knowledge and there will be more people on the ground to make sure we deliver local services.

“People have been reluctant to move during the Covid lockdown.”