Two new task force teams are being set up in Newham. The first to tackle the growing menace of ‘super sheds’ – ramshackle illegal buildings in gardens often housing people living in squalor. And the council even plans to use aerial photography and infra-red imagery to help track down these shanty-style dwellings.
 |
| [relatedPosts title=”Related Posts”] |
|
|
Currently, Newham is investigating about 100 reported cases of super sheds – and it warns unscrupulous landlords are exploiting this ‘slum’ accommodation.
The new task force will proactively confront the problem. Meanwhile, the second team will be dealing with the large number of backlog of cases.
Councillors approved the two new task force teams at a cabinet meeting in July.
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: “These buildings are not just illegal and an eyesore. They are dangerous and often used by landlords to sub-let.
“The creation of this task force gives a very clear message about our zero tolerance approach to illegal building, which is a crime. They are unsafe – endangering the inhabitants – and unsightly. They spoil the look and feel of the area.
“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and crime in Newham. If people flout the law – littering, noise nuisance, breaching planning laws or committing a serious criminal offence – we will take action.”
He added: “Crime and anti-social behaviour are unacceptable and we will never apologise for being tough on the yobs and vandals who make the lives of the hard working majority a misery.
“This is combined approach involving planning, housing and enforcement builds on the successful work we have already done in tackling this issue.”
-
- Click to Enlarge
-
- Click to Enlarge
