Housing bosses have revealed plans to crack down on anti-social behaviour, improve repairs and boost security at dozens of high rise flats in Leeds.
Complaints about anti-social behaviour, disrepair and poor service have prompted bosses at West North West Homes to develop an action plan to improve high rise blocks in west Leeds.
They have issued a blueprint for each of their 45 blocks including a U-turn on controversial plans to remove plant pots and doormats from communal areas.
Their plans include reintroducing caretakers, providing ‘in house’ cleaning and upgrading CCTV.
The arms-length management organisation is also set to work alongside Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team and West Yorkshire Police to ensure that residents feel safe in their homes.
Leeds West MP and shadow chief secretary to the treasury Rachel Reeves led a campaign following complaints from tenants.
She said: “I am thrilled that West North West Homes have decided to put an end to the sterile policy and allow residents to improve the areas outside their homes.
“Also a huge number of the residents I surveyed wanted to see caretakers returned to the blocks and I am extremely pleased to see that this is being considered as an option for the future.”
The ALMO is also set to take a firm approach to tenants owning dogs in the blocks.
They are also looking to carry out improvements at Whincover Grange which could see the doors automated to assist wheelchair users.
The YEP revealed last year that the ALMO told tenants to remove door mats, net curtains and potted plants from outside their flats because they are considered to be potential fire risks.
Ms Reeves added: “I hope that the action West North West Homes is taking provides some real improvements to the lives of my constituents living in high rise flats but my campaign will not end here.
“I will continue to hold West North West Homes to account and I encourage all tenants to contact me if they have any problems.”
A spokesman for West North West Homes Leeds said: “We understand that we need to invest in our tower blocks to make them attractive places where people want to live.
“There is good evidence in parts of the city that with the right investment and good management, tower blocks can be attractive places to live.
“Coincidentally, we are working with Leeds City Council in coming forward shortly with a strategy that will look at where we invest and how we can improve the day-to-day running of the tower blocks for the benefit of the tenants.”
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