Residents of flats to be demolished told move deadline
BBCResidents of a housing development that is being demolished despite only being built in 2011 have until next April to find new homes.
People living in Bouverie Court in Easton, Bristol, were told in February that the building be demolished due to major faults in its construction.
The housing association that owns the block, Elim Housing, have told residents that they will start seeking possession orders for any properties that are still inhabited by the end of March 2026.
"The last thing we would want to do is implement those proceedings, it's more about how we can work with people and the council to find the residents suitable accommodation," said Paul Smith from Elim Housing.
All residents in Bouverie Court has been added to band one of Bristol City Council's Home Choice housing allocation scheme, meaning they are top priority.
Two of the 21 households have already found new homes and Elim are optimistic that all will be rehomed by the deadline.
"We've got some properties coming up ourselves and more coming through Home Choice that will be suitable. We're hopeful that we can make a lot of progress between now and April," said Mr Smith.
"If someone's still there come April, we're not going to put them on the streets - we will keep working with them to find a suitable alternative."
"A lot of people have lived there since the property was built and it's a real wrench for them and there's a real moral duty on us to do the right thing in terms of finding people the appropriate accommodation," Mr Smith added.
The company that built Bouverie Court, ISG Pearce, has been liquidated, meaning Elim cannot recover any costs from them.
They are hoping to sell the site to another housing association to build more housing on the site.
Residents had the chance to ask questions to representatives of Elim Housing and Bristol City Council at a meeting on Saturday.
In the meeting, residents spoke of issues finding suitable housing through the council's HomeChoice service and the higher rents that are being asked for available properties:
"The prices in Bristol are very high and a lot of the houses aren't what we're looking for," said Oumaime Muhammed, who has lived in a three bedroom house on Bouverie Court since 2011.
"As a new resident you are looking at over £1,000 [per month] minimum, but now I am paying around £600 and you can't find something like that at this time.
"I can't afford that and I can't downsize because of my children who are settled here."
"It's heart breaking, when you feel like you have to move from your home and leave behind memories that you've built," she added.
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