Residents across Bridgwater are continuing to share their experiences of living alongside increasing numbers of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with almost 400 people already completing Ashley Fox MP's ‘Stop the HMOs’ survey.
As the campaign gathers pace, Ashley Fox met with local councillors Carole Edmunds and Diogo Rodrigues to discuss residents' concerns and see some of the areas most affected by the overconcentration of HMOs.
The meeting follows Ashley's recent call in Parliament for stronger planning powers to tackle the overconcentration of HMOs in Bridgwater.
Ashley Fox MP said:
"Residents have been telling me for some time about the impact that an increasing concentration of HMOs is having in parts of Bridgwater. It was important to meet with local councillors and see some of these issues first-hand.
We recognise the important contribution that Hinkley Point workers make to our local economy and the need to provide accommodation. That must be balanced with protecting established residential communities.
Almost 400 residents have already shared their own experiences through my survey, identifying problem streets and explaining the impact HMOs are having on the places they call home. That local evidence is incredibly important because it helps us build the strongest possible case for stronger planning controls where they are needed."
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues said:
"There is a clear need for HMOs in Bridgwater however, that doesn't mean our residential neighbourhoods should become overrun.
We're committed to working with Ashley Fox to identify practical solutions so future decisions can strike the right balance between meeting housing needs and protecting the communities people already call home."
Councillor Carole Edmunds said:
"People understand the need to provide accommodation, but they also want to protect the character of the communities they have chosen to live in.
By listening to residents and working with Ashley and local councils, we can build a strong evidence base and make the case for sensible, balanced action."
Ashley Fox is continuing to gather evidence through his Stop the HMOs campaign and is encouraging more residents to complete the short survey. It asks people to identify streets where HMOs are becoming a problem, describe the issues they are experiencing and share their ideas.
Residents can complete the survey here: www.ashleyfox.org.uk/stop-hmos
