Blackpool key worker given eviction notice fears restrictions will make it impossible for her to move

Alison Parry, 63, of Red Bank Road in Bispham, was sent a Section 21 notice of termination of tenancy by letting Solutions in Blackpool on March 21, with a termination date on June 3.

Classed as a key worker at a primary school, as a welfare assistant and evening cleaner, Alison said: “I was shaken and extremely upset. Unable to contact them over the weekend, I spent a nervous couple of days worrying about what to do.

“On the Monday, the letting agents confirmed the situation but couldn’t tell me why the landlord had decided to terminate my tenancy.”

She said another worry was finding somewhere to live when most businesses are shut.

She said: “I have no idea how I am going to be able to find another property, view it and arrange moving with the current restrictions in place.

“All the letting agents I have contacted re possible properties identified on the internet, are either closed for new business and have suspended viewings, or not even answered emails.

“As time ticks by, I get ever more concerned, and this is having a negative effect on my mental and physical health.”

“The school is currently catering for a number of key worker’s children every day so I need to leave the house every day to perform those duties. There is no opportunity for me to work from home.”

Louise Darbyshire, of Letting Solutions Blackpool, said: “Letting Solutions does not act without specific instructions from the individual landlords of the properties that we manage.

“We received instructions from this landlord as she required the property back. This action in no way reflects dissatisfaction with the tenant. The section 21 notice served does not stipulate that a reason has to be given

“I, on behalf of Letting Solutions have already informed the tenant on March 23 that we will support and assist her in finding alternative accommodation as we do have a good relationship.

“If no suitable accommodation can be found before June 3, I am sure that the landlord will be understanding and sympathetic.”

The notice was served before any change to government guidelines, she added.

The Government confirmed on March 26 that no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during the coronavirus pandemic.