North East Lincolnshire’s first Community Housing Organisation launched

A revolutionary housing project has been realised for the first time in our area. Local community group East Marsh United worked closely with North East Lincolnshire Council to establish the area’s first Community Housing Organisation in our area.

The project, which benefitted from £201,000 of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will contribute towards an affordable and sustainable housing market.

The group, which has now established itself as an ethical community landlord, have this month moved in their first tenant to a property.

In June, East Marsh United took over two empty properties on Rutland Street in Grimsby and used local contractors (via sister group East Marsh Construction Ltd.) to refurbish the houses to a high standard.

Councillor John Fenty, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, skills and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, applauded the project, saying: “This really is a wonderful example of how the Council can use its connections and resources to work with and empower communities to drive forward positive change.

“In this example, local people who live in this area are the landlords, with a vested interest in improving the quality of housing, creating supportive communities and creating local jobs.

“After working with our officers to acquire two properties, the group used their sister organisation, East Marsh Construction to refurbish them. This provided employment opportunities and training for unemployed East Marsh residents.

“I’m thrilled that the first tenants are now moving into the property. More exciting still is the prospect that East Marsh United are in the process of purchasing their third property, which has been empty for over ten years, so they’re tackling the national housing crisis and the issue of long-term empty homes.”

East Marsh United Chair, Billy Dasein, said: “I’m well chuffed! We are so proud of this achievement and so grateful that the Council came and stood with our community group to make this possible.”