Skint home undergoing renovation
A home in Scunthorpe, which featured on the Channel 4 TV show ‘Skint’ in 2013, is undergoing a huge transformation after we purchased it back.
Located in Canterbury Close, Scunthorpe, the home was bought through Right to Buy from us in 2004 to rent out as a shared property. But after becoming a magnet for criminal activity, Humberside Police executed a closure order, under the Anti Social Behaviour Act, and ordered it to be boarded up.
Over the years anti social behaviour, drug dealing and problems to the area had been reported. The windows were regularly broken, walls knocked down and the back garden became a dumping ground. The house was in an inhabitable, unsafe state.
On 4 October, 2019 we purchased the property back, and made the decision to turn it into a modern four bedroom family home. From a community perspective this sends a clear message that we are fulfilling our promise to reinvest in estates.
Amy Schoenmaker, Development Project Manager here at Ongo said: “We want to create communities that our tenants feel safe and proud to live in, which is why we’ve taken this project on.
“Buying this property back will not only improve the lives of people living nearby, but will provide a family with somewhere that they can call home.
“It will be complete by the end of March 2020, and we can’t wait for a family to move in and make new memories here.”
The home will be fully renovated and restored, with a brand new heating system, kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors, fascias and guttering. Improvements have also been planned to the front and back garden.
Will Harrison, Scunthorpe Neighbourhoods Sergeant said: “It is very important for us as an organisation to work closely with all our partner agencies, to address any concerns in our communities.
“We have a very good relationship with Ongo and the local council in the Scunthorpe area, and we work together on specific projects, home visits, and community related work for example.
“On this particular occasion, we have worked side by side to reduce crime and anti social behaviour in this part of our town.”
To stay up to date with the progress of the home, or to find out more about the work keep an eye out on our website and social media.