Trust says it no longer plans to evict tenants in a bid to offload its costly property portfolio
Campaigners are claiming victory after forcing a charity to scupper plans to evict dozens of Edinburgh tenants.
The Agnes Hunter Trust said last year it was selling off its property portfolio of 120 flats most of which are on Lorne Street in Leith.
As a grant making trust which funds other charities, the charity cited rising management and maintenance costs and an increase in grant applications from other charities for selling the dwellings.
However the move was vociferously challenged by outraged residents, many of whom had lived in the homes for generations.
They formed the Lorne Community Association to fight against the plans and campaign for the properties to be taken over by Port of Leith Housing Association, a move campaigners thought was close to being agreed.
It's definitely a move in the right direction - Melanie Weigang
Melanie Weigang, secretary of Lorne Community Association said: "It's disappointing that they can't come to an agreement with Port of Leith but we are absolutely happy that they have decided not to issue the notices.
"That's an absolute relief. It's definitely a move in the right direction. We certainly hope that there will be another agreement with a housing association."
She added: "We are still hoping for a long-term solution".
Trustees from the Agnes Hunter Trust said they remained open to considering other options such as an approach by another housing association, registered social landlord or by a tenants’ co-operative.
Walter Thomson, chairman of the trust, said: “Our original decision to sell the properties was taken to safeguard the ability of the Trust to maintain its ability to make grants to charities in line with the purposes outlined by Miss Agnes Hunter when she set up the trust in 1954.
“Unfortunately a bid from The Port of Leith Housing Association provided impossible to conclude a deal which would have worked for both parties.
“However, while we continue to seek to sell the property portfolio, the Trustees have decided not to issue any further notices to quit to individual sitting short-assured tenants”.
