Be One Homes ‘apologises’ to ‘evicted’ Westhoughton residents

Residents of several Be One Homes properties in Westhoughton were issued with the eviction notices several weeks ago after the property owner notified the organisation of their intention to sell.

But many residents say they were not given adequate information on how to find alternative accommodation, nor information on why they were being evicted, with some afraid they may become homeless.

Resident Ross Cruickshanks said: “It started in March – we got given a section 21 notice and were given until May 10 to leave.

The affected properties at 32 – 46 New Drake Green (Image: Ross Cruickshanks)

“It was very unexpected – we received very little information from Be One Homes.”

Ross said that Be One Homes told him they would sort out new accommodation for him, though he says he is ‘still waiting’ for this.

“I reached out to them a few times after it happened,” Ross said.

“I made phone calls, sent emails, and rang up the office directly – I left a message but never got a call back.

“I always paid my rent, and I never did any damage to the place – it’s a kick in the teeth.”

The property is managed by Be One Homes but owned privately – the issue came about when the current owner informed Be One Homes they would like to sell.

Residents say they were not made aware that this was the reason for their eviction notices, however.

The residents were issued with section 21 ‘no-fault’ notices, meaning they could be evicted despite not having fallen behind on rent or caused damage.

After Westhoughton councillor John McHugh, (pictured) got involved, Be One Homes issued an apology, and have been contacting residents to help them find alternative accommodation.

Be One Homes have offered an apology and are rectifying the issue (Image: Martini)

Cllr McHugh said: “It’s had a good ending now, and Be One Homes have contacted the affected residents to help.

“Be One are contacting the residents to offer support and guidance, and some residents have already been offered new accommodation.

“They have admitted they could have done better.”

Be One Homes have now begun calling affected residents to help them find new accommodation, and have apologised for the lack of communication with residents.

A spokesperson for Be One Homes said: “We’re aware of concerns raised about households in Westhoughton who recently received formal notices linked to some of our tenancies, and we understand the worry this caused.

“The tenancies affected involve homes that we lease and manage on behalf of private owners. Because we don’t own these homes, what we can do and be responsible for is limited, which is why these tenancies are coming to an end.

Noel Sharpe (CEO of Be One Homes) (Image: Be One Homes)

“Our absolute priority is that everyone affected transitions to a safe, suitable place to live. We’re working directly with each household to do this where possible.

“For some customers, we have already secured a new home that better meets their needs and represents an improvement on their current home.

“We recognise that our initial communication didn’t do enough to explain this context or the support available, and we’re sorry for the uncertainty this created.

“We’ve reflected on this and have adjusted our approach, so conversations now are clearer and more personal.”