Delight as housing sale plan is reversed

LEEDS JEWISH Housing Association has performed a U-turn over the future of its High Moor Close flats, agreeing to an extensive refurbishment rather sell the complex.

Tenants of the flats, near the city’s Moortown and Shadwell areas, had expressed concern over the sale plans. LJHA said the property, built in 1974, was its least-subscribed.

But the association had a change of heart after a three-month consultation with tenants, the “vast majority” of whom expressed a desire to remain — and with LJHA as their landlord.

The decision was greeted with applause during a meeting between Craig Simons, LJHA’s director of operations, and the tenants. Association chair Kate Pearlman-Shaw apologised for the “stressful time” they had endured.

“Tenants are always at the heart of what we do and we hope this announcement demonstrates this.”

Although LJHA had offered the option of transferring into another of its properties, many tenants were unhappy about the prospect of moving.

Mr Simons told the JC LJHA had recently secured a “significant grant” from an unnamed charitable trust to support a programme of refurbishment.

Replacement windows will be fitted later this year. Kitchens and bathrooms will be replaced over coming years.

New chief executive Mark Grandfield said: “It has always been important to me that homes are maintained to the highest quality and I fully endorse this decision.

“I am delighted we are able to keep these homes in our portfolio and look forward to ensuring the improvements are implemented over future years.”