Housing association apologises over empty house on Lincoln Court, Newark

The housing association that owns a vandalised house in Newark has apologised for its impact on the community.

The three-bedroom house in Lincoln Court, Newark, has not been lived in since 2016. Neighbours and councillors want the owners, PA Housing, to repair and re-let it as soon as possible.

The house was broken into and vandalised after the previous tenants left. Fixtures and fittings were smashed, and the garden was filled with rubbish.

Complaints from neighbours and councillors prompted PA Housing to clear the garden and cover the doors and windows with metal grilles in the spring.

But since then the garden has become littered with discarded clothing, an old fridge, and food and drink litter. The back fence has been broken down, and people use the garden as a short cut through to Lincoln Road.

Mrs Gill Dawn, who represents the area on Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are absolutely appalled at the total disregard for future tenants and existing tenants next door.

“They are a housing association landlord who are fully aware of the homelessness situation and the extent of the waiting list.”

And a neighbour of the vandalised house said: “I am sick and tired of it being used as a thoroughfare.”

The chief operating officer of PA Housing, Matt Cooney, said: “We're very sorry that this is having an impact on the local community; we will improve the appearance of the property as soon as possible.

“PA Housing is a social landlord doing everything within its power to be part of the solution to the housing crisis. We are regretful that the property is empty, and we hope that this will not be the case for too much longer.”