Knowsley Housing Trust has not been that 'on the ball' with much of the paperwork
they churn out. Kirkby Times has reported on court orders sent out and demands for rent arrears,
but the latest KHT cock up takes the biscuit and may well be 'cock up of the year when we come
to judge the most stupid official letters.
KHT offer man his own flat in exchange for his own flat.
Tenants in Tower Blocks in Northwood Kirkby are being moved out and alternative
accommodation found for them. The Blocks on Roughwood Drive are to be demolished with the
demolition starting rumoured to be starting next March. One tenant in these blocks received
a letter which was headed OFFER OF A KHT TENANCY. The tenant was then amazed to discover that
KHT had offered him his own property! - Not only that - the offer
included an extra two bedrooms!
Below - some of the letter quoted word for word……..
"The Trust can now offer you the tenancy of ** Oak Towers a 3 bed flat with effect from
(to be arranged) subject a clear rent account and the regulations and conditions,
which are available for your inspection at your local housing office, (and which
will also be included with your future tenancy agreement). The property is offered
to you at a current weekly rental of: (rent to be arranged)
Please inform your housing office within 24 hours of receiving this letter whether or
not you are prepared to accept this offer of accommodation. Failure to do so will result
in the offer being withdrawn. If this property is currently tenanted, this offer is
subject to the existing tenant vacating the premises. The Trust in no way is to be
held responsible if the existing tenants fail to vacate."
I received the letter on the 27th of Oct and phoned KHT the following day to see if
there was an adequate explanation for this amazing offer. Unfortunately neither the
author of the letter or my housing officer was in to take the call. That's a surprise!
However, the receptionist/telephonist was aware that Oak Tower was actually due to be
demolished and informed me, politely I may add, that that tower block was not available
to offer to tenants. 'I know that' I explained - 'I live there!'
Thanks to KHT for this small almost light moment of comedy relief. I say almost,
because although I laughed at this latest KHT cock up, I have to say that I'm sick
to death of KHT getting things wrong. If they can't get this offer right - what
else are they messing up? Regular readers of the Kirkby Times will already know
the answer to that question. Type in KHT in the Kirkby Times Search engine -
all will be revealed - although much more remains hidden.
PS - the tenants are gradually moving out now - only a couple of dozen or so
remain and Kirkby Times will be interviewing the tenants who have lived in these
blocks and will be keeping in touch with former tenants - if any decent solicitors
are reading this, do the right thing and get in touch to offer your legal advice
to these tenants. Other tenants are advised to form Tenants groups.
