Concern as pensioner ‘evicted’ from Newtownabbey property

The Housing Executive has confirmed a man was “evicted” from one of its properties in the Rathfern area yesterday morning after a court ruling declared he did not have legal tenancy.
Police officers were present in Rathfern.Police officers were present in Rathfern.
Police officers were present in Rathfern.

It follows concern in the community over the operation during which police were in attendance.

In a statement on Rathfern Social Activity Centre’s Facebook page, the community group said it was present at the “eviction” scene of a man in his 80s, where there were “representatives from the Housing Executive, PSNI, contractors and removal vans”.

The group added: “This is wrong in this day and age.”

In response, a spokesperson for the housing body said: “Housing Executive evictions are very rare and only happen as a last resort solution, and only when every avenue to resolve the situation has been exhausted.

“As a housing authority we must make the best use of our housing stock.

“In this case, there was a court ruling that the individual, a single man, should leave the three bedroom property in Newtownabbey as he does not hold a legal tenancy.

“This property will be allocated to a family on the waiting list who need a home.”

The PSNI confimred they also attended the scene.

Inspector Gilbert said: “Police were in the vicinity this morning to, if required, assist the staff of the Enforcement of Judgements Office. Police support was not, in fact, required.”