https://linktr.ee/piahoney 

I recently changed some of my downstairs laminate  flooring. It was about 11/12 years old. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.  Because of building work I had a skip but it would’ve been such a shame just to waste it, and add to landfill. I asked the floor fitters if they would take up carefully and put it to one side. I then placed adverts on Facebook recycling site saying that anyone who needed it was very welcome. No charge, I would just like it to be used by someone that needed it.

It soon became apparent that a lot of people needed it. I’m very happy to say that I was able to help three separate families. All had similar stories. They’ve been lucky enough to be given a home by the council, but they have been given bare floor boards or concrete floors. When someone receives a home from the council, all the flooring is removed. No matter what state it’s in. It’s a health and safety issue. It could be perfectly adequate, but still destroyed. This needs to be reviewed.

If you have little money, and are just starting out furnishing a home, one of the largest expenses is flooring. So very often the new tenants are left for years with absolutely no flooring, very likely with small children running around. This is far from ideal, especially in winter, with rising energy bills, trying to keep warm and comfortable is a feat in itself. 

I just think more can be done. If the council were willing to take a little more time in assessing each situation. When the new tenants come to view then they should be able to decide to ‘keep or clear’ the flooring. If needed with a disclaimer from the council to absolve responsibility. If the tenant is not able to view beforehand, then surely someone in the council can make the judgement? Or maybe the council could deflect the cost of uplift, removal and disposal to instead clean/sanitise the floors. I can’t see the cost would be too different. With so much talk about environment and landfill, it would be good for the council to be seen to be proactive in reducing this. The stress and mental health of the new tenant & family would be improved, so that’s a good thing too. 

So, seems a simple thing to me, but what do I know? If it seems simple to you too, why not sign and see what can be done.. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/528132911993019/ please join this new Facebook group if you feel you can offer help, donate your preloved flooring, or if you need flooring. Please remember to answer the quick questions so we know your category. 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pia-honey-1?utm_term=J9Vr935Gm

https://linktr.ee/piahoney 

Thank you

Pia Honey.