Working with residents in Fairy, Edward and Caroline Streets, Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson has secured a package of measures to improve in the Hetton Downs area.

Following representations to Sunderland City Council and an interim consultation, they have agreed to implement a package of measures totalling over £900,000 to improve conditions.

These measures include -;

• Bringing the road at Fairy Street to an adoptable standard
• Acquiring and refurbishing empty properties
• Implementing a plan for the long term care of properties and the road.

The report carried out on behalf of the Council discovered that parts of Fairy Street could not be accessed by emergency vehicles, and residents who were wheelchair bound found it either difficult or near impossible to leave their homes.

Commenting on the announcement, Bridget Phillipson said:

“Local residents contacted me to express their concerns about the general deterioration of housing conditions. They particularly highlighted the number of empty properties, the crumbling road surface, the surrounding environment and problems with anti-social behaviour.

“I have visited the streets to see the conditions for myself on a number of occasions and I have been in regular contact with the City Council to press the case for action. Following these representations the City Council agreed to undertake a feasibility study and I am very pleased that the report from this study has recommended action to address the problems.

“I hope that residents will see a major improvement in their area.”