Sainsbury’s cleans up houses

Residents were furious that the area had been allowed to deteriorate into a slum with the neglected properties and overgrown gardens attracting rats and vandals.

Now refurbishment work is progressing well. The steel shuttering has been removed from all of the properties and the external improvement works are nearing completion.

To date the works have included re-painting the external walls and window frames, replacing the old doors and tidying the gardens.

The refurbishment of 33 and 39 Ferry Road is currently underway, with a view to the properties being let to new tenants at the earliest opportunity.

A spokesperson for Sainsburys said: “The refurbishment works taking place at our properties in Ferry Road are making good progress and we are pleased to report that our contractors have received a number of positive comments from local residents regarding the improvements.”

The news comes in the same week that Rother District Council has taken enforcement action against shabby sites in the town.

New enforcement notices have been issued to the owners of the Augustinian Friary, on Conduit Hill, and the row of derelict cottages at Fishmarket Road.

The Grist Mill and the now closed Bellevue Nursery, on Udimore Road, have also been subject to enforcement notices.

Rye councillor Sam Souster said: “At the Town Meeting these properties were mentioned as being detrimental to the appearance of Rye, especially as tourism is vital to the local economy.

“In September there is to be held a Sussex Empty Homes Forum and I shall attend. The objective of the exercise is to address the problem of currently over 400 long term abandoned and derelict properties within the district.

“There is a commitment by RDC to bring long term abandoned and derelict properties back into use across the district to increase the supply of urgently required homes for residents in housing need.

“There is an admission that progress is slow and time consumting and there is much more that can be done by using the right tools.”

Should members of the public have any queries regarding the works at Ferry Road they are encouraged to contact Sainsbury’s community information line on 0845 602 1151 or email [email protected].