MORE than 100 people living on the former RAF Uxbridge site could be left homeless after being evicted.
Notting Hill Housing Association housed the 64 families temporarily on behalf of Hillingdon Council in 2011, and now says they must leave by May.
One mother who lives in the ex-staff quarters at the closed-down base told the Gazette: “We’ve been told to find our own private accommodation, but we can’t afford it, and private landlords won’t touch DSS [Department of Social Security] tenants.
The mum, who did not wish to be named, said: “We’ll have to declare ourselves homeless on eviction day.”
She said the tenants had been given little help or advice. “I’ve tried to speak to Hillingdon Council, but they’re as confused as us,” she added.
Hillingdon Council’s deputy director of housing, Neil Stubbings, said: “It had been hoped to extend the lease, but this has not proved possible and London Borough of Hillingdon officers are working with residents on a one-to-one basis, alongside Notting Hill staff, to advise residents of their housing options.”
The woman said she recently spent more than £1,000 on new carpets, and had decorated her daughter’s room for her Christmas present. “I checked if we were definitely staying a while before I spent my savings,” she said.
The families have not yet had official eviction notices, but say they have received a demand for £175 court costs because they have refused to go voluntarily.
The families live in homes off Hillingdon Road, close to the Battle Of Britain Club. Most of the buildings nearby have been flattened as part of the redevelopment of the vast site. The land will eventually accommodate hundreds of new homes plus shops, a school, cinema and theatre.
Notting Hill Housing Association said: “NHHA has leased properties from the developer for some time. The tenancies offered have always been six month assured shorthold tenancies, which have been renewed on an ongoing basis.
“NHH conducts extensive sign-up interviews where our housing officers explain tenancy terms and the process that is followed if the lease comes to an end and the owner wants their property back.
“Our dedicated housing officers visit tenants at least every three months for continuing housing support and to answer any tenancy questions. Tenants were informed in January about the land being taken back.
“Notting Hill Housing and Hillingdon Council are working closely together to find suitable alternative accommodation to minimise disruption to tenants.”
