Wednesday 13 February 2008

This is information comes from Salix Homes and its partners.  The following will explain how they will manage properties as they become empty within the Lower Broughton clearance areas.

When will properties get secured?

The team will arrange for the security contractor to turn up and fit security sheets on the day the house becomes vacant.  This work should be completed within 24 hours and will depend on what time the keys are handed back to Salix.

How are the properties secured?

To minimise potential problems, as soon as Salix take possession of the property they will arrange for basic services to be cut off (gas, water, electric, etc.) and remove any inflammable materials such as furniture.

All items of value such as copper cylinders and boilers are removed.

The building is then secured with metal "perma sheeting".

When will they be demolished?

Ideally if all residents moved out of their property at the same time, the properties could be demolished quite quickly.  This would minimise any potential of properties being broken into and vandalised.  However, this is not always possible for various reasons.

In most cases Salix will make arrangements to demolish blocks when a full row or block of properties becomes empty.

Unfortunately. some parts of the demolition process is noisy and dirty.  Salix will ensure that the occupants of nearby properties are pre-warned when demolition is taking place.

What do you do to stop rats?

The property will be cleared of all food substances to minimise attracting vermin  such as rats, mice and cockroaches.  Environmental Services also help to minimise any appearance of rats by inspecting the properties prior to any demolition work commencing and carrying out sewer baiting and capping off any unused sewers as necessary.

If residents sight any rats during the demolition process they should contact Environmental Services on 0161-909 6500.

What happens to the land afterwards?

Once the properties have been demolished, the site will be treated.  The type of treatment is dependant on how long it will be before the site is redeveloped.  Site treatment can be as little as compacting the ground to grassing and installing a knee rail.

What happens if a property becomes insecure?

If you see any properties which are open to access or being vandalised, please report them during working hours from Monday to Friday to Salix Direct on 0800-212 2000 or the Housing Market Renewal Team on 0161-779 8992.

Should you need to report matters outside normal working hours then please contact the Urban Vision Call Centre on 0161-794 8888