IF you're in the centre of Bridgwater today (Thursday) you might have spotted a big red bus parked outside the Cornhill.

Campaigners from the Homes for Britain tour are in town to speak to residents about a crisis they say is being faced by thousands of homeowners in the South West.

Knightstone Housing Group and Shal Housing Association are working together to encourage Bridgwater people to sign their petition urging the Government to get serious about affordable housing in the region.

Nick Horne, chief executive of Knightstone Housing told the Mercury: “We've been explaining to people what the housing crisis is but a great number of people are already aware of the issue because they are feeling it themselves.

“The average South West house price in 2013 was £191,175 which is more than eight times the average income for the area and in fact for Sedgemoor its actually nine times the average income.

“We need the Government to come up with a proper plan to address the situation in the South West over the next 20 years.”

Mr Horne said a huge lack of supply in the housing market and low wage growth.

 

 

Angela Gascoigne, chief executive at SHAL Housing Association, which owns 700 homes in Sedgemoor, was also at the Cornhill listening to residents’ concerns.

She said: “The day has been a real success.

“This is an issue that so many people are saying affects them or perhaps they have fears about their children being able to afford a place to live in the future.

“Crucially we have not had to convince people this is a problem because they already know and feel it themselves.”

For more information on the Homes for Britain campaign visit www.homesforbritain.org.uk.

Are you struggling to afford a place to live in Sedgemoor? Tell us about the problems you're facing in the comments below or join the discussion on our Facebook page.