Sell off and save money (Damien Ristori)
My only wish for savings at present is to see the following SIC properties returned to residential use: Quendale House; House Of David, 91-93 St Olaf Street; library headquarters in St Olaf Street; 4 Market Street; Hayfield House: Craigilea, St Olaf Street; St Clement’s Hall; 11 Hill Lane, Children’s Panel office.
I know that the properties are needed at present but the sooner they are sold the better it will be for folk needing homes.
For years I’ve been strongly against the idea of locating offices etc in perfectly good residential areas and will fight for a return to suitable premises until sense is seen.
If the properties are sold to say a developer like Hjaltland Housing then at least they would have a better chance to increase their stock and hopefully slow down the demand for homes in Shetland.
So 10 properties sold to the right bidder may make a good saving and allow much-needed homes to be created.
Damien Ristori
Member of Lerwick Community Council
Commercial Road,
Lerwick.
P Fraser
Mr Ristori is correct in his observations. However, I have no doubt that the properties he lists will remain in Council ownership and be refurbished to provide temporary residential accommodation for the legions of consultants the SIC will employ as cost saving measures.