Positive way forward after flat concerns

Platform Housing Group, which owns and manage the flats off Coventry Road, and the District Council have been aware of ongoing issues, and have been working with the Police and other agencies to develop local solutions.

As a result of the meeting, a new local lettings policy will be put in place at the flats with enhanced arrangements. This will ensure that the housing group are better able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers already living there. 

The flats will also have a dedicated housing officer to advise customers on how to protect themselves from issues such as exploitation or ‘cuckooing’ whereby criminals can take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base for drug dealing.

Customers will be kept up to date with plans and actions taking place through the introduction of a local newsletter. This will include the housing officer contact details, and updates on regular site inspections that will continue to take place.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “It is important that we do all we can to protect potentially vulnerable people in our district, and I am pleased that a meeting has taken place and a positive way forward has been agreed.”

Marion Duffy, Chief Operating Officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “We will continue to do all we can to tackle the anti-social behaviour issues at Northbank flats. Working with the local Police and Harborough District Council we are committed to taking appropriate action to protect our customers.”