Last updated 13:40, Thursday, 02 October 2008

I WOULD like to respond to front page article on anger over Milecastle Housing’s decision to exclude a sport and play provision within its proposed plans for the Falstone development (Courant, September 26).

As a responsible social housing provider, Milecastle Housing has contributed significantly to play and sports provision in the past. To date this total stands well in excess of £100,000.

With specific reference to the development at Falstone, we advised the council throughout the consultation process that we were likely to seek a waiver on the play and sports provision as there were significant additional costs due to the steep nature of the site which in turn threatened the viability of the project.

As you are well aware, Milecastle Housing is a not-for-profit organisation that is committed to providing affordable housing of the highest quality.

We are regularly reinvesting surplus funds into the community, whether it be £7million of our funds to develop new homes or revenue required to support apprenticeships and opportunities for young people in the area.

A current example of our work is the redevelopment of the £6million Manors scheme, in West Wylam, which will provide 46 affordable flats, 34 for rent and 12 for shared ownership at the same time as providing Tynedale with opportunities for local employment.

I am disappointed by the nature of your report, especially as it brings the morality of Milecastle Housing into question.

Anyone who has dealings with us, whether it be a member of our staff or our board will know that we have the best interests of the community at heart at all times and are constantly seeking to explore social housing, regeneration and employment opportunities for Tynedale and its surrounding areas.

ANNE MOYLE,

Chairman,

Milecastle Housing Board