Firs Hill dispute

Story: Lisa Swift

More than 50 tenants and residents of Firs Hill met on 2nd September for what became a difficult, tense and occasionally angry meeting.

People from the estate had already met in August to raise concerns about Firs Hill Tenants and Residents Association, and held a vote of no confidence. However, were as this was not arranged by the TARA committee, could not be classed as an association meeting, so the meeting in September was called.

There was a long debate about financial paperwork and a missing receipt, the details of which were difficult to understand for those who were not directly involved. The accounts have already been examined independently, and activities have definitely happened, so it was clear that there is no money missing. The disagreement escalated to include concerns about how tenants’ and residents’ issues are dealt with and a dispute about the use of the TARA office.

Members of the committee defended their work strongly, explaining all the work they had done in the year, including supporting clean up days and attending many meetings.

Finally a vote of no confidence in the committee was called, 33 voted for the motion and 7 people against.

A Special Annual General Meeting has now been called, where tenants and residents can formally choose who will be on the committee. It will be 6pm on Wednesday 5th October at Sheffield United Academy.