The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Seven families received what the council called “an early Christmas present” after being rushed into newly bought council homes just before the big day.
The council bought seven new homes in Donington just before Christmas and officers moved quickly to get seven families into the new homes in time for the day.
Some families were facing Christmas in temporary accommodation, a council spokesman said.
One of the new tenants, Amy Young, has moved into one of the homes with her two young children.
She said: “I can’t thank the council enough for this.
“The council staff have been superb. It’s the best Christmas present ever!”
Vikki Cherry, South Holland District Council Housing Services Manager, said: “I am delighted we are able to provide families with these homes which are immediately available to move into.
“To be able to do this just in time for Christmas will hopefully be a special memory for all involved, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers.
“Issues around homelessness and uncertainty for those in temporary accommodation are especially pertinent at this time of year, and I am pleased that as a council we are committed to ensuring homes are available to those who are most in need and giving families the opportunity to make a real home for themselves in the district.”
In December, homeless charity Shelter reported that there were 2,320 homeless children in the East Midlands.
This figure indicated a rise of 201 per cent in the last five years.The charity’s Generation Homeless report reveals “12 children lose their home every day in the East Midlands”, which Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter described as “scandalous”.
