Progressive Labour Party MP Glenn Blakeney is hoping for compromise as he mediates a stand off between his Government and constituents over a controversial housing plan.

Housing Minister Terry Lister is hoping to build on the flat roofs at Mary Victoria Road.

Last week Mr. Blakeney met Mr. Lister to raise concerns after around 100 residents held a public meeting to oppose the plan which Mr. Blakeney said he had been unaware of until it was announced at a Press conference.

He said follow up meetings to explore the options were planned for this month while meetings with residents were also on the agenda.

Government hopes to put in 34 new units but Mr. Lister has said it would still be far less than the number allowed under the development plan.

Mr. Blakeney said: "He and I will meet again, hopefully with Bermuda Housing Corporation, and I will bring to their attention the concerns of the residents."

The Devonshire North Central MP said the plans were only plans at the moment but he said Government also faced a problem in building enough homes to cope with the housing crisis. He said: "I hope there will be a compromise."

But he admitted constituents were adamant the area could sustain no new building because it was so densely populated.

Residents are now planning to form an action group.

Resident Declan Harris said he had taken offence to Mr. Lister complaining of NIMBY-ism (not-in-my-backyard) threatening his plans to meet Bermuda's housing needs.

He said: "It's stand-offish."

However, Mr. Blakeney said the NIMBY syndrome was prevalent throughout Bermuda.

He said he hoped Government would improve the old fashioned playground by putting in soft mats and taking away the asphalt.

This exacerbated the problem of youths playing in the streets, said Mr. Blakeney.

Mr. Harris said residents were also concerned about the plight of the elderly.