An estate agent is offering ex-servicemen and women the chance to move into empty homes for free.
Paul Banning, manager at Belle Vue Property Management in Gateshead, took the decision after reading on Facebook about an ex-army man who was living on the streets in Wales.
Realising that 27 of his rental properties were currently unoccupied, Banning posted a message on Facebook, which read: “I own an estate agency called Belle Vue Estates based in Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.
“I have a number of empty properties in the North East, any ex-service personnel living on the streets or need a roof over their heads please contact me asap and you can have the keys with no fees. 0191 491 3940. enquiries@bellevueestates.co.uk
“I will also help sort housing benefit etc. Let’s get them off the streets. Please like / comment and get this message to as many people possible many thanks.”
Banning said the ex-servicemen and women could pay him once they receive housing benefit, which he also offered to help them apply for.
Banning said: “I saw a photo of a guy in Wales who had only been out of the Army for 12 weeks and he was sitting on a street corner with a blanket on. It really frustrated me. He had served his country and there he was, sitting on a street corner.”
He added: “There are genuinely people who haven’t anywhere to go. Ex-servicemen, through no fault of their own, are coming out of the military with illnesses, whatever they may be, and are finding it hard to get back into Civvy Street.
“I’m going to do my best to try to help them.”
In an update on his Facebook page, Banning wrote: “Hi, I’d like to say a huge thank you for all of the unbelievably kind comments we have received. Updating everyone, we have a member from a charity who works closely with ex-service personnel coming to see us next week to give us some advice and direction on how to move things forward. I will post an update when I have more news.”
Are you a kind-hearted agent who is doing something similar? If so email Charlie Stong at charlie@propertyindustryeye.com
What a great bloke! The forces generally look after their men and women very well but, a few slip through the net and, when they do, it usually leads to huge problems for them including a feeling of utter betrayal by their forces ‘family’.
It is heart-warming to see someone who is stepping up to the plate. It shouldn’t be down to the public to do this but it is wonderful when they do. Good on you Sir!
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