A 69-year-old has lashed out at his housing association for the “disturbing” news that he would be moved out of his flat and his home demolished.
Seaforth resident Raymond Remejkis was left deeply upset after receiving the unexpected letter from his housing association, One Vision Housing on Saturday, June 24.
The letter abruptly informed him that he was to be displaced from his home of eight years. This sudden decision was taken following investigations inspired by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The letter stated: “You may be aware that since the Grenfell Tower disaster, we have been reviewing the investment required in all of our high-rise blocks to ensure the safety and security of tenants living in them. With this in mind, investigations into Alexander House have identified that the block requires substantial investment to bring it up to acceptable standards and, unfortunately, these investment needs mean that the block is no longer economically viable.
“It is with considerable reluctance, therefore, that One Vision Housing has taken the decision to rehouse all residents on a permanent basis.”
An accompanying frequently asked questions document clarified that One Vision Housing’s intention was to “demolish the building”, with no possibility for the residents to return.
Raymond expressed his upset over the prospect of leaving his top-floor home in the 16-storey building, saying he didn’t want to be “uprooted”.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “There are 68 flats in here and I found it really disturbing reading the letter. I received the letter from One Vision two days ago [Saturday].
“It’s very upsetting, I have lived here for eight years and I think the block has only been here about 10 years. In that time I’ve made this place my own and spent a lot of money doing stuff to it and fixing the doors for them to tell me they’re going to relocate it and demolish it.
“Why not keep the community together? I don’t want to be up rooted.”
Alexander House, a well-known feature of Seaforth, underwent a massive £20m redevelopment in 2009 along with Montgomery House and Churchill House. This investment resulted in a complete modernisation of the building.
Raymond’s most significant concern is the potential separation from his “exceptional” neighbours and the tight-knit community within the building.
He said: “I adore it here. I have outstanding neighbours and we go outside and sit on the benches downstairs and just chat.
“This is my life. I just don’t understand why they’re demolishing the place and destroying the community. Fair enough if they give people the option to leave, let the people who want to leave go.
“But let us who want to stay, stay. There are people in their 60s and 70s here who don’t want to move and will find it very difficult.”
One Vision Housing was approached for comment on this matter.
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