I BACK TENANTS' GROUP (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

I BACK TENANTS' GROUP

February 19, 2008 1:33 PM

Simon Hughes MP for Southwark in Westminster

Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes has backed the fight to save a voluntary group from closure.The Cheltenham Federation of Tenants and Leaseholders is having its funding axed by the borough council.

The decision was made in October to withdraw the cash, and the federation will shut for good on March 31.

Mr Hughes visited staff and volunteers to support their campaign to stay open.

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood said: "We need to keep this issue high profile so that people don't forget what the council is doing.

"We know there are poor pockets in the town, and it is these people who use the federation and are being affected by this closure. I think it is appalling."

Mr Hughes, MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, said: "Taking the decision to close the federation didn't need to happen. Housing is an important thing for everybody."

The organisation acts as an independent voice for tenants and leaseholders. It helps people get rehoused, and tackles anti-social behaviour.

Its funding was cut following the council's decision to provide just one contract for four organisations - the Citizens Advice Bureau, Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre, Cheltenham Community Support Centre and Cheltenham Federation. The CAB won.

Louise Neal, 22, who has worked at the federation for two years, said: "We see a wide variety of people and they all come in despairing where they have been to the council and got nothing.

"The council said there needs to be a tenant voice in the town, but they are taking us away."

From the Gloucestershire Echo www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk

18th February 2008