Housing protestors clash
More than 60 people from schools and churches around Mansfield from the The Maun Valley Citizens (MVC) alliance dressed in anti-contamination overalls and carrying a banner that read, “Haven Homes are Toxic” walked to the company director John Haddrell’s offices on St John’s Street in Mansfield where they held a silent protest.
But The managers of Haven organised and led a counter-demonstration.
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David Ince, chair of the MVC safety team that organised the event said: “It was important to us that our event was polite and respectful and I’m pleased to say that most of the opponents respected our silent protest and many of them were willing to shake hands with us.
“Some of them had already shared their awful experiences of living in Haven houses with us. They know that we’re not looking for a fight; we’re looking for justice and dignified housing for all homeless and vulnerably housed people.”
Haven Supported Housing Ltd Managing Director John Haddrell criticised the people involved in the Maun Valley demonstration.
He said “What I have just witnessed today is disturbing, appalling, disgusting and shameful.
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“I don’t think any of them really knew what they were demonstrating about.
“The protest lasted all of five minutes and ended in complete confusion and chaos.
“Our residents were openly hostile which was bizarre considering that the demonstrators were claiming to be acting in their interests.”
Mansfield Mayor Kate Allsop and Labour councillor Martin Lee pledged to investigate Haven Supported Housing Ltd after a former resident spoke of the housing conditions he said he experienced. Haven Homes have said they welcome any inquiry.