Lincolnshire County Council has apologised after sending the wrong letter to a family whose newly built home they moved into two years ago is in the proposed path of the Spalding Western Relief Road.
Darren and Sarah Long received a letter to their Bourne Road property saying they would be affected by the route of the road, but were later called by the council to say their home is actually in the way of it.
That’s while Lisa Bennett, who lives in the adjoining semi-detached home was told right away hers was to be demolished.
However, since then, the county council has confirmed that all five homes that are along the proposed route, plus the four others close by, could all be demolished, if the proposals are backed by its Executive in January.
Father of two, Darren said: “We’ve had a whole load of trouble right from the start with this house.
“I don’t need any more hassle.
“I’ll move if they compensate me adequately.”
Darren’s mother and father Tony and Janet Long live the other side and say they’ve been struggling to sell the house they built themselves 33 years ago after the news broke of the Relief Road. They’re listed as close by, but according to the County Council could still be the subject of a compulsory purchase order and have their homes bulldozed.
In a statement sent to The Voice after our print deadline earlier today, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for highways, Richard Davies, said: “The recommended route would cross Bourne Road where five properties are currently located and would be built in close proximity to four others.
“There would be a significant impact on all nine properties, and all may need to be demolished. So if the executive decide to take this route forward, we would look to purchase all nine houses.
“We’ve had an initial meeting with the owners to explain the current position, and will keep in close contact with them as matters progress.”
Lisa Bennett meanwhile said she wouldn’t leave the semi-detached home next to Darren and Sarah which she bought two-years ago.
She says she’s experienced anxiety attacks since hearing her home was in line to be destroyed: “I was just in floods of tears when I read the letter.
“I’m not going. They can do whatever they want but I’m not leaving. I bought the house in 2017 and had no end of problems with the builders, including being left homeless for six months when it wasn’t ready in time.
“The county council say they’re going to spend £1.25m buying the homes and bulldozing them. I’ve had my home valued for £230,000 and the homes together would surely cost more than £1.25m and that’s before you mention compensation and legal fees.”
