An arson attack on a Shantallow property has raised concerns about a number of unoccupied houses in the area.

By Ursula Duddy

ursula@derrynews.net 

The oil tank of the empty house in Liscloon Drive was set alight on Saturday afternoon. A prompt response from the fire service ensured that the damage that the blaze caused was contained.

Sinn Féin Councillor, Tony Hassan appealed to housing associations to rethink their refurbishment arrangements: “This house was owned by North West Housing and it was left lying empty while work was being carried out.

“There are three or four houses in this estate alone lying derelict and more in different areas because of change of tenancy and repairs being carried out but these arrangements have to be looked at as properties are being vandalised.”

Cllr Hassan said measures should be taken to prevent this type of incident happening again: “In Galliagh, there was a very nearly a tragedy in similar circumstances. I would appeal to all housing associations to drain the oil tank if no one will be living in the house while repairs are carried out.

He added: “They should be taking more precautions for safety reasons. I must emphasise that North West Housing bring these houses up to a very high standard, however, if they are empty for any length of time young people, or whoever is doing this, will have every opportunity to do it again.”

Cllr Hassan had other suggestions for housing associations: “There are a lot of people on waiting lists that could move into these houses tomorrow so if the North West Housing and other associations pre-allocated them it would prevent this type of thing happening and people would be happy to look after the maintenance themselves.”