Let’s be sure land resumption of low-cost housing is a compassionate process

FEW will disagree that a widening of the M1 is welcome, and in many minds long overdue.
Along with progress comes change, and sadly in the case of residents at Galaxy Caravan Park and some of those at neighbouring Jargarra Villas, there is likely to be some pain.
These people’s homes are on land which will likely be resumed to accommodate a park and ride facility – one of a number of similar facilities to be placed along the new stretch of highway.
They rightly feel it is a slap in the face that their homes will effectively become a carpark.
In some cases, the pension is the sole source of income for these people, who will be forced not only to find new homes, but also the money it will cost to relocate.
In addition, some of these people are suffering mental illnesses, not least anxiety and depression.
When the government responds to questions with an opaque answer that says people will be fairly compensated, we can only hope that this includes provision for counselling alongside a dedicated bureaucrat whose job it is to guide people through the relocation process.
If they’d read the news lately, they’ll understand low-cost housing options have become few and far between.