Emmerdale star Sian Reeves backs protest over hefty bills

Published: 1 October, 2010

EMMERDALE star Sian Reeves is planning to join a protest against high charges for leaseholders at a public meeting later this month.

Sian, who lives in Highbury, plays villain Sally Spode in the TV soap. She is angry about receiving a bill from housing agency Homes for Islington for £17,000 for refurbishment work at her former council flat close to Highbury Corner.

She said this week: “The money is my contribution to the reinforcement of a balcony, new windows, painting and roof repairs. 

“But the figures are baffling. I don’t understand how they reached the total. 

“All I know is that I’ve got two years to pay an extremely hefty bill.”

She contacted the chairman of Islington’s leaseholders’ group, Dr Brian Potter, for advice. He has invited her to the protest meeting at Islington town hall at 7pm on Wednesday, October 13.

“I want to find out about my rights as a leaseholder and all being well I’ll be at the meeting,” Sian said. 

“It’s not just my problem. There are hundreds of old folk in a far worse financial situation than me who also need help.

“It’s a terrible shock to be hit suddenly out of the blue with such a large bill.”