Petition opposes sale of any council homes in Shropshire

It comes as options for the future of more than 4,000 Shropshire Council-owned properties are being considered by consultants. It is understood that one of the possibilities being examined is the sale of the homes, which are mainly in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth districts.

Shropshire Council's leader Malcolm Pate has insisted that nothing has been decided over the future of the homes, and said the review is being carried out to ensure any decision is taken with the best possible evidence.

Oswestry resident Nikki Hughes, who has set up the petition and campaign group Hands Off Oswestry's Council Homes, said any sale of council housing would be short-sighted.

She said: "Plans to sell off Oswestry's council houses were voted against ten years ago. Our attitude to this has not changed. Oswestry needs more social housing, not less.

"The council are short of money and the sale of these homes would be a huge boost to the accounts. The problem is, when that money runs out, they will have sold off a huge chunk of their income/revenue. It's just a quick buck.

"The smart thing to do, while interest rates are in our favour, would be to build more homes and create more housing. There are a possible 40,000 people in North Shropshire in these homes, who could be about to be forced to a housing association. Once that happens, these tenants will have fewer rights."

She added: "These homes are a lifeline for young families, vulnerable people and the elderly." The homes are managed by Star Housing, an arms-length management organisation set up by Shropshire Council to protect the homes.

The council has confirmed that a report on the future of the homes, being carried out by Savills, is due to be ready by the end of next month.

Councillor Pate has said: "There is no decision that has been made to sell any of the housing. Obviously, because of the financial predicament of the council, we are looking at all options but people should not read too much into me saying that."