Nationwide Building Society rescues block of condemned flats

The Nationwide Building Society has saved more than a dozen families in a block of condemned flats in Dodgeholme Court, Mixenden, Halifax.

The families were forced out of their homes as the block was condemned after fire officers were called in to inspect the building and told tenants they had to leave.

However, the Nationwide has told the Courier that it has written to tenants letting them know it plans to get the building into a habitable state, despite the responsibility for the upkeep of the building being with the block’s owners.

Charlotte Sjoberg told the Courier that the Nationwide was prepared to invest in the building, which would protect its financial interest and that of owner occupiers.

“We are also talking with the receivers to establish the situation for the owner-occupiers who find themselves in a situation where they are paying both rent and a mortgage“, said Ms Sjoberg.

“We hope to have a positive resolution to this situation soon,” she added.

Warnerlane Ltd, the company responsible for the upkeep of the block, has been charging a service fee for the upkeep but Nick Hancock, a receiver with accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young’s Manchester offices, said he was “horrified” by the condition of the communal areas.

However, on further investigation, it appears Warnerlane do not have the funds to improve the block.

Mr Hancock adds: “The Nationwide was not obliged to do what it did, the society has not taken possession of the block. “We are trying our best and feel dreadfully sorry for the people in there.”

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