Wishaw Press

Craigneuk News ‘Hell’ house to be repossesse­d

Neighbours hope anti-social misery’s over

- Michael Temlett

A Craigneuk home which was causing hell for neighbours is being repossesse­d, the Wishaw Press understand­s.

The house, in Flaxmill Avenue, was causing hell for Tina Appleton and her family after children put up with drunken louts, junkies and a knife threat due to people congregati­ng at the property.

Windows at the property – which has been empty for almost nine years – were smashed and rubbish frequently dumped in the garden of Tina’s home.

Tina’s husband, Glenn, also had his bike stolen from right outside the house, which now has an eight–feet fence erected in the back garden to help keep the yobs out.

When the problems were at their worst earlier this year, Tina told the Wishaw Press: “To say we’ve had a few problems would be an understate­ment.

“It has been hell for everyone and when we moved in a year ago we didn’t know the area too well but all of our neighbours were great.

“Over time, the house next door has became a bigger problem and I would like to see it knocked down now.

“My eight-year-old son Reggie won’t play in the back garden now because he’s been out a couple of times and had abuse from drunks.

“One time he went out to play and someone was on the back step with a needle in his arm. I’ve had needles dropped in my back garden and it’s totally unsafe.

“I called the police one time when myself and my daughter had a knife pulled on us but the same man still walks up and down the street.”

However, the Wishaw Press understand­s that the home has been repossesse­d, with questions hanging around the future of the property as repossesse­d homes typically go to auctions for sale at a lower price.

Back in April, North Lanarkshir­e Council were investigat­ing problems at the property.

Stephen Llewellyn, housing operations manager with North Lanarkshir­e Council said: “We are aware of issues with certain properties in Flaxmill Avenue and are taking action, however, owners of the properties are responsibl­e for ensuring properties are maintained to a reasonable standard. If you have concerns about the poor upkeep of gardens in your neighbourh­ood contact your local housing office and we will investigat­e and take action if we have the legal powers to do so.

“Private owners in council housing areas can also express an interest in our empty homes purchase scheme which involves the council buying back certain homes in high demand areas where appropriat­e.”

 ??  ?? Hell home The Flaxmill Avenue property
Hell home The Flaxmill Avenue property

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