Airport residents 'fear eviction'

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Residents who live near the City of Derry Airport fear they will be evicted after receiving letters from Derry City Council.

The 17 houses in the area are going to be knocked down as part of a scheme to improve safety at the airport.

However, some residents believe that they have not been given enough time to find new homes.

The council has said that it is sympathetic and eviction would only be a final option.

Robin Martin feels under pressure as trees and shrubs are already being cleared from around his home.

He is one of 17 residents who have to leave their property by the start of next month as part of a safety project at the airport.

The father-of-two has a site and his plans finalised - but is awaiting planning permission.

With an eight-year-old daughter recovering from leukaemia, he thinks the council has not given him enough time to move out.

"We're totally devastated by the news that the council are going to pass it on to an enforcement agency with the possibility of bailiffs, supported by the police force, coming in to evict us from our home," he said.

The council now owns all the properties in this area after the vesting order came into effect last August. Two homes have already been demolished.

The local authority has acknowledged that most homeowners are making plans to move out.

John Meehan from the council said they were aware of the sensitivities of residents.

"It has to be emphasised public authorities often have to exercise these sorts of powers in order to secure areas which have been vested for housing developments or for roads developments and this is not a unique situation," he said.

The council has stressed that it does not want to see anyone forcibly evicted from their homes and again pledged to work closely with residents to resolve and outstanding issues.