Council‘lookedatbuying StMichael’sGatehomes’

Peterborough City Council looked into buying the 74 properties at St Michael’s Gate in Parnwell where the tenants are being evicted, it has been claimed. Speaking at Friday’s public meeting, council deputy leader Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald said: “I only learned recently, because I made further enquiries, that those properties were on the open market for about £10 million back in May. “The council, I believe, and I just learnt this in the last two days, valued the properties at around £7 million. That’s our strategic property team. “And obviously, the owner of the properties took the higher offer from the current owners. So there was no way we would get into that bidding war.” Discussions on Friday turned to what should happen next. One person said: “There are loads of office blocks in the middle of Peterborough that are empty. Why don’t you make them into flats and put the homeless in there?” Another said to loud applause: “As a law-abiding citizen I’m not saying I advocate this, but it would certainly get some publicity if all those people getting evicted didn’t move.” Several people also called for the law to be changed to prevent this scenario happening again. MP Stewart Jackson said he would try to secure free legal advice for tenants and would be apply- ing for a special debate with the Government’s housing minister. Tony Roberts, a St Michael’s Gate resident, said: “Stewart was making a lot of promises so it will be interesting to see if he keeps any of them.” Cllr Irene Walsh, the cabinet member overseeing the developments at St Michael’s Gate, was asked by the PT why she was not at the meeting. She replied. “I was not invited to attend, but due to the importance of the issue the deputy leader was present to explain the reasons behind the council’s decision-making.” A call-in over the council’s decision to rent the 74 homes was being heard last night. Cllr Walsh said she would be attending.