Lynne Featherstone MP has today slammed Labour-run Haringey Council for leaving properties empty for years, whilst also having one of the longest social housing waiting lists in London.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green was recently contacted by a resident of Truro Road in Wood Green, Ms Parveen Johal. Ms Johal reported a Council property on her road, which had been empty for over six years. Ms Johal contacted the Council about the property in 2010, but to date, the property remains empty and derelict.

Lynne Featherstone MP has now contacted Haringey Council and asked for an explanation, and a firm commitment as to when the house will be refurbished and let to residents on the Council’s waiting list.

Commenting, local resident Ms Parveen Johal said:

“Residents have been complaining for years about this, but the Council has just left the property empty, despite assurances that something would be done.

“There have been squatters and the house has fallen into complete disrepair. I can’t believe how neglectful they’ve been – of the house and of local residents.”

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“This is just typical of Labour Haringey – so many vulnerable families in Haringey are in desperate need of housing, but are constantly told that there’s none available, yet the Council is leaving properties like this empty.  It makes you wonder how many more empty properties there are in the borough.

“I have now called on them to explain themselves and commit to refurbishing and letting this property – and I hope they listen!”