Crown Estate residents supported by Liberal Democrat campaigners

6.23.00pm GMT Sun 7th Mar 2010

A number of residents have contacted Bethnal Green North Liberal Democrat Councillors about the proposal by the Crown Estate to sell the freehold of their properties. For many residents this has raised concerns about tenancies, future levels of rent, service charges and maintenance of properties.

Following recent reports in the Guardian newspaper Richard Macmillan said: "We are concerned that the Crown Estate are going ahead with the marketing of the properties before the consultation period ends - when they already know the extent of residents' objections to the proposals. If true, this makes the consultation a sham".

Bethnal Green North Campaigners Richard Macmillan, Cllr Azizur Rahman Khan and Cllr Stephanie Eaton have written to the Crown Estate to discuss residents' concerns about the proposal to sell the freehold of properties around Victoria Park. Liberal Democrats have requested that Paul Clark of the Crown Estate keeps residents and their elected representatives fully informed of any developments during the consultation process.

Cllr Stephanie Eaton added: "Residents are fearful about the effect that a new landlord will have on the quality of repairs, level of rents and service charges. We hope that any new proposals for a change of freehold take into account the genuine concerns of people living in these properties."