Save Gittisham News Archive
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Landowner Responds to Village appeals
Richard Marker has released a press statement withdrawing consent for the proposed TETRA mast; “…the concerns expressed to me by residents of the village, and in particular those with children, led me to review exactly what Airwave were proposing to do.”
Gittisham Group are still awaiting confirmation that mmO2 Airwave will not pursue their planning applications and no alternative mast will be proposed.
Gittisham Group are still awaiting confirmation that mmO2 Airwave will not pursue their planning applications and no alternative mast will be proposed.
16 Jun 2004
Source: Gittisham
Village campaign against TETRA gathers momentum
During the last two weeks, villagers sent letters and appealed directly to (Landowner) Mr Richard Marker asking him to withdraw permission for the proposed TETRA mast.
Villagers held a banner protest, which drew media attention to the situation.
Members of the Gittisham Group met with villagers from Hemyock, Mid-Devon, also facing the prospect of having a TETRA mast forced upon them.
Hemyock have won a small victory as the planning decision has now been deferred until July.
Villagers held a banner protest, which drew media attention to the situation.
Members of the Gittisham Group met with villagers from Hemyock, Mid-Devon, also facing the prospect of having a TETRA mast forced upon them.
Hemyock have won a small victory as the planning decision has now been deferred until July.
16 Jun 2004
Source: Gittisham
TETRA Mast Health Fears
A New radio mast carrying a TETRA relay is planned to be errected in Gittisham and beamed straight into the village. There is much debate as to the health risks from these pulsed systems. We are determined to ensure that the health of Gittisham Villagers and their children are not put at any risk by this mast.
1 Jun 2004
Source: Gittisham
TV Coverage of Hele Eviction
On Wednesday two representatives from the Gittisham Group travelled to Hele to take part in a TV interview with the Jones family for Westcountry Television. This has been broadcast today on several news bulletins.
The Jones’ have appealed for postponement of the eviction date and assistance with re-housing the family.
Media exposure of yet another case of responsible tenants facing eviction will only help to highlight the problem faced by many. If this affects you or someone you know the Gittisham Group would like to hear from you.
The Jones’ have appealed for postponement of the eviction date and assistance with re-housing the family.
Media exposure of yet another case of responsible tenants facing eviction will only help to highlight the problem faced by many. If this affects you or someone you know the Gittisham Group would like to hear from you.
6 May 2004
Source: Gittisham
Countdown to Eviction for Hele
In the Devon village of Hele, near Cullompton, a family of six, including an expectant mother and two foster children, are facing eviction and homelessness as the US landlord has sold their home for development.
Mr Jones, tenant for 6 years and employee of the Mill (owned by Mead Westvaco) for 36 years, has been given until June 1st to leave.
Yet another example of the vulnerability of tenants, and of a small community losing vital affordable housing stock.
Just as with the tenants of Gittisham who were facing eviction a few weeks ago, local authority housing is not available and the scarce private rented accommodation in the area is too expensive for the family to afford.
On Saturday evening representatives of the Gittisham Group travelled to Hele and met the Jones family to offer their support.
The Gittisham Group expects to make an appeal to the relevant parties for a postponement of the eviction date to allow reasonable time for alternative housing to be found.
Click for more
Mr Jones, tenant for 6 years and employee of the Mill (owned by Mead Westvaco) for 36 years, has been given until June 1st to leave.
Yet another example of the vulnerability of tenants, and of a small community losing vital affordable housing stock.
Just as with the tenants of Gittisham who were facing eviction a few weeks ago, local authority housing is not available and the scarce private rented accommodation in the area is too expensive for the family to afford.
On Saturday evening representatives of the Gittisham Group travelled to Hele and met the Jones family to offer their support.
The Gittisham Group expects to make an appeal to the relevant parties for a postponement of the eviction date to allow reasonable time for alternative housing to be found.
Click for more
3 May 2004
Source: Gittisham
Villagers to make formal complaints against agents
The Gittisham Group intend to make formal complaints against the agents Colvilles and possibly FPDSavills on behalf of some of the villagers regarding their conduct before and during the sale. Opinion in the village regarding the conduct of the agents seems unanimous.
The agents continue to provoke the situation with the astonishing claims by Edward Heaton of Colvilles, on the FPDSavills website, stating Colvilles "single-handedly secured the long term security of the village".
It is now common knowledge that this was never their intention and that public pressure and immense media attention forced them to act in the interests of the villagers to limit damaging their reputation any further.
Click here for the agents' article.
The agents continue to provoke the situation with the astonishing claims by Edward Heaton of Colvilles, on the FPDSavills website, stating Colvilles "single-handedly secured the long term security of the village".
It is now common knowledge that this was never their intention and that public pressure and immense media attention forced them to act in the interests of the villagers to limit damaging their reputation any further.
Click here for the agents' article.
3 May 2004
Source: Gittisham
New Ownership - Official
Northumberland and Durham Property Trust signed contracts and officially became the new landlords in Gittisham. The news was covered by West Country (Carlton) TV news, Friday evening, and included an interview from tenant and Councillor Ken Hopkins. Tenants received official notice by post on Saturday morning.
3 May 2004
Source: Gittisham
Gittisham Community Group continue highlighting affordable housing issues
Two weeks have passed since the residents of Gittisham heard that the majority of the homes affected by the threat of eviction had been purchased by the Northumberland & Durham Property Trust.
The Trust has given positive assurances which have been welcomed by the community. Three of the larger properties have not been bought and families in these and in one small cottage still face an uncertain future.
Tenants are keen to meet with the new Landlords individualy and as a community to discuss the future. The whole community (both tenants and home-owners) are hopeful that the social and economic balance of the community will be retained.
The Gittisham Community Group have realised their capabilities and are determined to continue highlighting the problems regarding the availability and security of affordable rented properties where ever the location as well as safe-guarding the rights of tenants and emphasising the responsibilities and obligations of landlords. To this end we have made contact with Rt Hon Keith Hill MP (Housing and Planning Minister) and await a response.
The Group have received interest from another village whose security may be threatened by landlord and agents. Tenants wish to exchange information and we are willing to help in any way we can.
Press and media interest continues. Contact with local, national and international press including a documentary team for Channel 4 who were in the village at the weekend, means that we here in Gittisham and housing issues in general are still very much in the news.
"Earlier this month, for example, tenants in Gittisham, Devon, described by Prince Charles as an ideal English village, successfully fought an attempt by a Landowner to sell their homes to outsiders." Financial Times 16-04-04
The Gittisham Community Group continue to support tenants here who are still uncertain as to their future security. The group have also been busy sending out thanks and acknowledgements to many of those who supported and helped during the campaign.
The Trust has given positive assurances which have been welcomed by the community. Three of the larger properties have not been bought and families in these and in one small cottage still face an uncertain future.
Tenants are keen to meet with the new Landlords individualy and as a community to discuss the future. The whole community (both tenants and home-owners) are hopeful that the social and economic balance of the community will be retained.
The Gittisham Community Group have realised their capabilities and are determined to continue highlighting the problems regarding the availability and security of affordable rented properties where ever the location as well as safe-guarding the rights of tenants and emphasising the responsibilities and obligations of landlords. To this end we have made contact with Rt Hon Keith Hill MP (Housing and Planning Minister) and await a response.
The Group have received interest from another village whose security may be threatened by landlord and agents. Tenants wish to exchange information and we are willing to help in any way we can.
Press and media interest continues. Contact with local, national and international press including a documentary team for Channel 4 who were in the village at the weekend, means that we here in Gittisham and housing issues in general are still very much in the news.
"Earlier this month, for example, tenants in Gittisham, Devon, described by Prince Charles as an ideal English village, successfully fought an attempt by a Landowner to sell their homes to outsiders." Financial Times 16-04-04
The Gittisham Community Group continue to support tenants here who are still uncertain as to their future security. The group have also been busy sending out thanks and acknowledgements to many of those who supported and helped during the campaign.
24 Apr 2004
Source: Gittisham
Gittisham Saved
The Northumberland and Durham Property Trust have purchased the majority of the 27 affected homes. A number of the remaining properties have had offers accepted.
Villagers expressed overwhelming relief at today’s news that not only were the tenancies secured but those residents who have chosen to buy their properties have had their offers accepted.
Some concern remains for the future of the tenants in three properties which were withdrawn from the sale.
Our proposals, which were submitted to Richard Marker on Monday, were well received by the Estate and undoubtedly influenced ‘the Agents’ in both in the timing and outcome of today’s events.
Please visit again as we have more news to come.
Villagers expressed overwhelming relief at today’s news that not only were the tenancies secured but those residents who have chosen to buy their properties have had their offers accepted.
Some concern remains for the future of the tenants in three properties which were withdrawn from the sale.
Our proposals, which were submitted to Richard Marker on Monday, were well received by the Estate and undoubtedly influenced ‘the Agents’ in both in the timing and outcome of today’s events.
Please visit again as we have more news to come.
6 Apr 2004
Source: Gittisham
Developments
There are significant developments today for which we will post our response here shortly.
6 Apr 2004
Source: Gittisham
Tenants Submit Formal Proposals to Save Gittisham
At 11.30 am Monday 5th April, formal Proposal Documents were presented directly to Richard Marker on behalf of the Tenants of Gittisham by the Save Gittisham Group.
The documents contain three outline proposals which are sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their feasibility in saving the tenants homes to the benefit of all sides. Two of the proposals are Investment based and the third is the re-submission of the Charitable Trust proposal.
The Save Gittisham Group already have real interest from potential investors and are confident that the funds required will be made available.
We have demonstrated that we are co-ordinated, well organised group capable of researching, developing and implementing any of these proposals and we are in a unique and rare position of being able to Save Gittisham ourselves.
"We believe that any of our proposals can be developed into workable plans that will stand up to scrutiny by legal and professional bodies."
The Group have asked Richard Marker to postpone the sale through his Agents to allow reasonable time to find the most workable solution and develop an implementation plan. "Hopefully he will see at last that we mean business and preference MUST be given to any workable proposal that that is to the benefit of both the Combe Estate and The Gittisham Community as a whole.
The Group have stated that they wish to negotiate with the Combe Estate directly and not through sales agents FDPSavills and Colvilles. The Group believe the Agents have proved they do not understand the concept of a community, their interests lying in selling land and property for commission.
In a village meeting on Monday Evening these latest developments were enthusiastically received with many surprised at what the group had achieved in such a short time. The Villagers offered their support to the Proposal Documents and the Save Gittisham Campaign. Everyone is now anxiously awaiting a response from the Estate which will, hopefully, come direct from Richard Marker and not via the Sale Agents.
The documents contain three outline proposals which are sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their feasibility in saving the tenants homes to the benefit of all sides. Two of the proposals are Investment based and the third is the re-submission of the Charitable Trust proposal.
The Save Gittisham Group already have real interest from potential investors and are confident that the funds required will be made available.
We have demonstrated that we are co-ordinated, well organised group capable of researching, developing and implementing any of these proposals and we are in a unique and rare position of being able to Save Gittisham ourselves.
"We believe that any of our proposals can be developed into workable plans that will stand up to scrutiny by legal and professional bodies."
The Group have asked Richard Marker to postpone the sale through his Agents to allow reasonable time to find the most workable solution and develop an implementation plan. "Hopefully he will see at last that we mean business and preference MUST be given to any workable proposal that that is to the benefit of both the Combe Estate and The Gittisham Community as a whole.
The Group have stated that they wish to negotiate with the Combe Estate directly and not through sales agents FDPSavills and Colvilles. The Group believe the Agents have proved they do not understand the concept of a community, their interests lying in selling land and property for commission.
In a village meeting on Monday Evening these latest developments were enthusiastically received with many surprised at what the group had achieved in such a short time. The Villagers offered their support to the Proposal Documents and the Save Gittisham Campaign. Everyone is now anxiously awaiting a response from the Estate which will, hopefully, come direct from Richard Marker and not via the Sale Agents.
5 Apr 2004
Source: Gittihsam
Agents Press Statement Meaningless
The press statement made on Friday by Savills / Colvilles only sought to distort our position and was in essence meaningless. It contained nothing of substance.
This is now the final chance for us to appeal to the estate to see some reason and try to help this community. I hope that you will wish us well and continue to support us as we will not give in.
Thanks for all your support.
This is now the final chance for us to appeal to the estate to see some reason and try to help this community. I hope that you will wish us well and continue to support us as we will not give in.
Thanks for all your support.
4 Apr 2004
Source: Gittisham
UPDATE: Residents ready to submit our proposals
We are in the process of finalising our proposals for submission to the Estate on the deadline date of 5th April.
We are aware that the Estate and it's agents are making a press statement today around noon and we anxiously await the outcome. If they intend to give us a realistic and fair timetable for detailed submissions to be made to the Estate, this will of course be most welcome but anything else will not affect our timetable to formally submit our outline proposals on the deadline date of 5th April.
With time so short this will be the final opportunity for Richard Marker to demonstrate whether his intentions are ,as prevoiusly claimed, with the future of the village or entirely to their own ends and those of the agents.
We are aware that the Estate and it's agents are making a press statement today around noon and we anxiously await the outcome. If they intend to give us a realistic and fair timetable for detailed submissions to be made to the Estate, this will of course be most welcome but anything else will not affect our timetable to formally submit our outline proposals on the deadline date of 5th April.
With time so short this will be the final opportunity for Richard Marker to demonstrate whether his intentions are ,as prevoiusly claimed, with the future of the village or entirely to their own ends and those of the agents.
2 Apr 2004
Source: Gittisham 10.00 am
EDDC Meetings informative but not very helpful
East Devon Distric council have had meetings to try to help tenants with the current crisis. The EDDC have publically stated that they wish to see tenants remain in their homes but they are powerless in this regard. They also stated that they are unable to house tenants if they are to become displaced. We would like to thank them for at least trying to help us.
It is clear that Richard Marker is not just breaking up a community and selling off 400 years of heritage he is also creating a housing crisis which could be avoided.
With only 4 days to go we appeal again to Mr. Marker for a more reasonable timescale to assemble our own proposals for the village which would avoid this crisis and at the same time, give him the windfall he so desires. Surely this is reasonable and a final chance for Mr. Marker to do the honourable thing.
It is clear that Richard Marker is not just breaking up a community and selling off 400 years of heritage he is also creating a housing crisis which could be avoided.
With only 4 days to go we appeal again to Mr. Marker for a more reasonable timescale to assemble our own proposals for the village which would avoid this crisis and at the same time, give him the windfall he so desires. Surely this is reasonable and a final chance for Mr. Marker to do the honourable thing.
31 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
Richard Marker should come clean about delay
Richard Marker and his agents should Let us know right away whether or not he is prepared to extend the deadline before the sale of our homes. We've had if's and maybe's all week but no commitment and the latest statement from Savills in the press today is no different.
"There is no comment on any extension to the deadline of the notices to quit at the moment. Mr Marker is talking to tenants, but is not willing to discuss individual cases."
The current timescale is totally unreasonable for us to to put together any kind of offer to resolve this situation to our mutual satisfaction and Richard Marker is fully aware of this. Is he just stringing us along until the deadline passes hoping we will keep quiet so he and his agents can do as they have planned all along ?
"There is no comment on any extension to the deadline of the notices to quit at the moment. Mr Marker is talking to tenants, but is not willing to discuss individual cases."
The current timescale is totally unreasonable for us to to put together any kind of offer to resolve this situation to our mutual satisfaction and Richard Marker is fully aware of this. Is he just stringing us along until the deadline passes hoping we will keep quiet so he and his agents can do as they have planned all along ?
29 Mar 2004
Source:
Tension mounts as villagers await delay confirmation
During a week of individual meetings with the landlord Richard Marker, tenants have been coming away feeling frustrated and even more worried. Tenants appealed yet again for more time to find a solution agreeable to themselves and Mr. Marker, but although this delay has been hinted at it has not yet been confirmed. Mr Marker also claims that the majority of tenants have expressed an interest to buy their homes but most of the villagers have dismissed this as fantasy. "Of course everyone would like to purchase their homes but the prices are way beyond the bounds of possibility".
Meeting
After a village meeting held in the church Friday night, residents were united in their determination to keep the village as a tenanted community. Those tenants who have expressed an interest to buy are concerned, not only on the high price, but estate agents and economists are hinting a 'downturn' in the housing market so the soundness of such a large personal investment at this time could also be highly questionable.
At the meeting the residents decided to continue with setting up the trust fund discussed earlier in the week with a view to running the village themselves.
Health Concerns
Concern has been expressed by many regarding the health of some of the villagers as the increased stress and anxiety begin to take their toll. It is still hoped that a solution which is amicable to all parties can be sought so that we can return to our normal lives.
Meeting
After a village meeting held in the church Friday night, residents were united in their determination to keep the village as a tenanted community. Those tenants who have expressed an interest to buy are concerned, not only on the high price, but estate agents and economists are hinting a 'downturn' in the housing market so the soundness of such a large personal investment at this time could also be highly questionable.
At the meeting the residents decided to continue with setting up the trust fund discussed earlier in the week with a view to running the village themselves.
Health Concerns
Concern has been expressed by many regarding the health of some of the villagers as the increased stress and anxiety begin to take their toll. It is still hoped that a solution which is amicable to all parties can be sought so that we can return to our normal lives.
28 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
Individual meetings between Landlord and Tennants
The Tennants have been meeting the landlord on an individual basis. We will report the results of the meetings as soon as more information is availble.
28 Mar 2004
Source:
UPDATE - EDDC release document to Clarifiy their Position.
After a meeting with the Combe Estate, East Devon District Council has clarified their position regarding our plight.
Although this does not offer us any solution, it does at least demonstrate that EDDC understand our position and the wider implications that it has. In the release from John Golding , Head of Housing & Social Inclusion, EDDC clearly states that their "primary objective" is "to keep the tenants in their homes" and that this objective was also "shared by the estate".
We find this very encouraging but if this view really is genuinely "shared by the estate", we feel it is a good time for the Combe Estate to demonstrate that they mean this by delaying the sale, giving us more time to resolve this fairly and amicably. This will also make their position clearer.
To read the full document text - Click here.
Although this does not offer us any solution, it does at least demonstrate that EDDC understand our position and the wider implications that it has. In the release from John Golding , Head of Housing & Social Inclusion, EDDC clearly states that their "primary objective" is "to keep the tenants in their homes" and that this objective was also "shared by the estate".
We find this very encouraging but if this view really is genuinely "shared by the estate", we feel it is a good time for the Combe Estate to demonstrate that they mean this by delaying the sale, giving us more time to resolve this fairly and amicably. This will also make their position clearer.
To read the full document text - Click here.
26 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham / EDDC
Europe-Net Help with search engine position
Some people have commented that we have mentioned Google Inc. on this site for their unwillingness to help us, yet we are listed by a sponsored ad at the top of the search engine.
We would like to clarify that Google Inc. have indeed declined to help us as they did not want to offend their existing 'business' advertisers by donating any help towards our campaign.
Our premium position on Google is being entirely paid for by Michael J. Dennis of Europe-Net Datacom and we are extremely grateful for his Company's support.
Also I should mention the EastDevon.net listing at the top of the search engine was re-directed to this site by link owner, Project Cosmic, and we are very grateful for Rob French for doing this and his support. I hope that this clarifies any misunderstanding.
We would like to clarify that Google Inc. have indeed declined to help us as they did not want to offend their existing 'business' advertisers by donating any help towards our campaign.
Our premium position on Google is being entirely paid for by Michael J. Dennis of Europe-Net Datacom and we are extremely grateful for his Company's support.
Also I should mention the EastDevon.net listing at the top of the search engine was re-directed to this site by link owner, Project Cosmic, and we are very grateful for Rob French for doing this and his support. I hope that this clarifies any misunderstanding.
25 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
Update - One Week Since Shock News Delivered
It has been one week since the shock news was delivered to us that our homes were to be sold and our community destroyed. We have a strong community here and everyone has been working very hard, contributing both time and resources and as you'd expect we are not used to dealing with so much attention.
Media Interest is still very high and, like you, they are also hoping for some significant news, some kind of breakthrough. Local newspaper Express and Echo is another good place to try for news as they are running daily updates. Our plight seems to have reached all four corners of the globe. We have been contacted by several international news outlets including Canada, National Post and Holland, De Telegraph. We have also been contacted by the BBC World Service.
Tenants have continued to meet with Richard Marker on an individual level, asking amongst other things for more time.........as yet no change
Our search for a sole purchaser, who is willing to continue the tenancies, continues. We are still hoping that our saviour is out there somewhere and reading this website.
We will bring you more news as it happens and we are hoping for a breakthrough very soon.
Thanks for your support.
Media Interest is still very high and, like you, they are also hoping for some significant news, some kind of breakthrough. Local newspaper Express and Echo is another good place to try for news as they are running daily updates. Our plight seems to have reached all four corners of the globe. We have been contacted by several international news outlets including Canada, National Post and Holland, De Telegraph. We have also been contacted by the BBC World Service.
Tenants have continued to meet with Richard Marker on an individual level, asking amongst other things for more time.........as yet no change
Our search for a sole purchaser, who is willing to continue the tenancies, continues. We are still hoping that our saviour is out there somewhere and reading this website.
We will bring you more news as it happens and we are hoping for a breakthrough very soon.
Thanks for your support.
25 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
Thank you for your Support
Thank you for taking the time to visit the website, we have had over 2000 visitors in the last couple of days. We never thought people would care so much and you support has exceded our expectations. Please keep coming back to the website as we will try and update it as often as possible to keep you informed of our progress. I'm sure you can appreciate how busy we are at this time but we will endeavour to keep you informed of any progress as it happens. Thanks again for supporting us.
24 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
We need more time
We are seeking more time as the deadline for us to purchase our homes is only days away and is unreasonalbe considering the scale of the problem. According to the Express and Echo.. "Mr Vaughan said consideration was being given to allowing an extension of the deadline". We believe this would be a sensible and positive move by the Agents but they need to be more specific as time is now very short indeed. Our deadline is, in fact, April 5th and the countdown on the front of the website has today been amended to reflect this.
24 Mar 2004
Source:
East Devon Housing to meet Landlord and Tennants.
East Devon Housing are meeting the landlord this week (possibly today) to discuss alternatives and possible extention. They are also arranging a meeting with tenants, to be held soon, to discuss available options.
23 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
EastDevon.net Gittisham website re-routed
The EastDevon.net gittisham web page which features at the top in the google search engine has now been re-routed to this campaign website. Many thanks go to Rob French of Project Cosmic for doing this, especially since Google have not offered us any help at all despite our plea to them for a sponsored Ad.
23 Mar 2004
Source: Michael J. Dennis - Europe-Net Datacom
Charitable Trust Proposal
The community of Gittisham are proposing setting up a Charitable Trust.
The purpose of the Trust is to protect the village and to provide affordable housing for new and existing tenants including the possibility of shared ownership of their homes. The aim of the Trust will be to purchase the entire village from the Landlord and then to come to arrangements with the tenants to purchase some or all of the equity in their homes or to continue to rent.
The Trust is in the process of being formed and at present cannot receive any money, although it is able to receive pledges from interested parties/individuals immediately.
The purpose of the Trust is to protect the village and to provide affordable housing for new and existing tenants including the possibility of shared ownership of their homes. The aim of the Trust will be to purchase the entire village from the Landlord and then to come to arrangements with the tenants to purchase some or all of the equity in their homes or to continue to rent.
The Trust is in the process of being formed and at present cannot receive any money, although it is able to receive pledges from interested parties/individuals immediately.
22 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
Save Gittisham Website goes live
We have started this new website www.savegittisham.org.uk to act as a focal point for our appeal for help. Please bear with us as we are in the process of collecting information for the site and we will have more news updates as they happen and very soon. many thanks to local businessman Michael Dennis of Europe-Net Datacom for donating the webserver and his services to support our cause.
22 Mar 2004
Source: Gittisham
End of news archive