SDLP: Banks must ensure vacant properties are secured

SDLP has urged banks to take responsibility for securing vacant properties in their possession to prevent them from being damaged or vandalised.

Party Spokesperson Patrick Leonard said;

“In recent weeks we in the SDLP have received considerable reports from constituents regarding the vandalism and forced entry of repossessed properties across the district, I personally visited a series of properties on the Urney road area where extensive damage and theft had been carried out, leaving the house in a brutal state. This not only destroys the house but can often endanger neighbouring properties and residents with risk of fire etc.

“Banks have a responsibility to ensure that these buildings are secured. It is a sad sign of the times that so many of homes have been repossessed by the banks, but the banks still have duty to ensure that these homes are protected and are not allowed to fall into disrepair or to serve as an invite to opportunistic vandals.

“This problem is prevalent across the North, and so I am calling on the banks to step up to the mark and to ensure that these properties are adequately secured to prevent this problem from getting out of control.”