Legal dispute over repairs at sheltered housing complex
HYNDBURN Homes are set to take legal action against Lancashire County Council over repairs at a sheltered accommodation complex.
The social landlord say they have a ‘long-standing dispute’ relating to the repairs and maintenance of footpaths at St Paul’s Court, off Union Road in Oswaldtwistle.
Bosses have confirmed that they have now issued legal proceedings against the county council to try and resolve the dispute.
However, Lancashire County Council said the pathways on St Paul’s Court are ‘not considered to be highways maintainable at public expense’ and will fight the legal action.
Kim Smith, head of neighbourhood services at Hyndburn Homes, said: “We can confirm that legal proceedings have been issued to resolve a long standing dispute in relation to the repairs and maintenance of the footpaths off Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.
“We are not able to comment further given that court proceedings have now commenced.”
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “The pathways on the estate which includes St Paul’s Court are not considered to be highways maintainable at public expense and we are defending against the claim that they should be maintained by the county council.”
County councillor Peter Britcliffe said he hoped the parties can avoid going through ‘long and protracted court proceedings’ for the benefit of the ‘suffering’ residents.
Speaking at an area forum meeting last month, he said: “St Paul’s Court is an absolute disgrace. There’s been a row going on for years between Lancashire County Council and Hyndburn Homes as to who is responsible.
“I understand that Hyndburn Homes are now taking Lancashire County Council to court.
“What worries me about this is that five or six years have gone by and the only people who are suffering are the residents who live there.
“I hope they can try and get together and sort it out for the residents’ benefit rather than going through long, protracted court proceedings.”