MP presents ballot demand from Orchard Park residents

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today presented the results of her recent Orchard Park Housing Scheme Survey to Hull City Council bosses.

One of the most emphatic findings of this survey was that 89% of Orchard Park residents wanted a ballot to determine whether or not the housing regeneration scheme finally goes ahead.

Today's meeting at Hull's Guildhall was attended by Hull City's Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, key officials of the local authority and Diana Johnson MP.

Diana Johnson MP had already met earlier this week (20 January) with the Housing Minister, Rt Hon John Healey MP, to discuss the Orchard Park housing scheme.

The MP's recent survey also found that residents on the estate overwhelmingly oppose Council plans that would mean the net loss of 685 council homes in their area.

Diana Johnson MP said: "In line with the wishes expressed by Orchard Park residents in my recent survey, I asked Hull City Council today whether they would agree now to give local residents the final say in a proper ballot on whether this housing scheme goes ahead.

"I was told that various ideas for consultation are being considered.

"Having the power to decide on their own future will give local residents the peace of mind and confidence that they deserve as they engage in the Council's consultation process. This has to be in the best interests of all parties.

"I will therefore continue to campaign for Orchard Park residents to be given the final say in a ballot on the Estate. Regeneration schemes of this sort should happen only with the consent of local people. This scheme must be done with residents - not done to them."

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