By KLTV Newsdesk –
Legal Action has been taken against four residents in Kirklees after they refused to allow access for council staff to carry out repairs to smoke detectors in their flats.
According to the council, the residents ‘failed to engage’ with staff after letters and reminders were sent about fire safety work that was going to take place in council flats on Brooklyn Road, Cleckheaton.
Legal proceedings were eventually started which resulted in warrants being issued granting access to the properties.
The repairs coincide with a £90 million improvement plan already underway across the council’s housing stock, aimed at addressing safety issues.
How many residents were contacted?
More than 50 residents across the three blocks of flats were contacted to gain access to properties to be able to carry out repairs.
Residents were contacted via door-knocking, letters and reminders, asking them to arrange appointments for the essential fire safety work to take place.
Whilst the majority were happy to provide access to their homes, four tenants failed to engage with council staff, and the legal proceedings were started as a last resort.
These works have now been carried out, ensuring the safety of tenants in the event of a fire.
‘Keeping Tenants Safe’
Speaking on the legal action, Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy, said: “Keeping our tenants safe is our number one priority, which is why we have committed £90 million to making these essential improvements.
“Whilst the majority of tenants share our commitment to upgrading the safety of our homes, we need all tenants to play their part.
“I’m pleased to see that necessary legal action was taken in this case.
“It is always a last resort but in this case was necessary to ensure everyone in the building remains safe.”