HOMES in Sedgemoor welcomed the Minister of State for Housing and Planning Alok Sharma to Bridgwater for an event attended by social housing tenants from across the South West.

Mr Sharma, who was appointed to role in June, has been working to address issues raised by the Grenfell Fire tragedy including concerns about social housing and how to give tenants an effective voice.

The visit held on Thursday, November 30 was one of a number across the country requested by Alok Sharma so he could meet social housing tenants directly to help build up a clear picture of the immediate issues faced by those living in social housing, to identify any common concerns and listen to tenants’ ideas, providing a basis for the national approach going forward.

Jen Barfoot, chief executive of Homes in Sedgemoor said: “We were delighted to host the minister and his team here at Homes in Sedgemoor.

"The event gave tenants from across South West England a great opportunity to talk directly to Alok Sharma, about what matters most to them. He engaged with every tenant in the room, and everyone felt he really listened to them.”

Chris Moseley, chairman of the board, added, “It was a fantastic chance for myself and many other tenants to have our opinions and ideas listened to by the Housing Minister.

"It was a very encouraging event for the future of social housing.”

Bridgwater's only tower block Westfield House has passed a fire safety review commissioned by Sedgemoor District Council's scrutiny committee in wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.