Residents say there is a real 'struggle' for affordable housing in Bridport after councillors voiced concerns of a ‘housing emergency’.
As previously reported by the News, Bridport Town Council’s latest meeting saw councillors and members of the public share deep concern over a lack of social housing, availability of private rentals and the impact both are having on young people and families locally.
Following the meeting, we talked to residents about what they think of the situation.
Lauren Sullivan has a four-month-old baby and has been struggling to find somewhere suitable for her newly expanded family.
She added that many of the mums she meets at her baby group are in the same situation.
She said: “We are struggling to get anywhere to live. We live in Beaminster now.
“I go to a baby group, and the people I meet there are also struggling.
“I am looking for it anywhere, there is not a lot. When they (affordable/suitable housing) do come up there are about 75 people plus bidding to try to get them.”
Lauren’s mum Emma Wellman added: “A few people are having to move out of the area because they cannot find somewhere suitable or affordable.”
Bridport resident Melody Laitinen says she works full-time and requires affordable housing.
She said: “I agree that there is an issue. I think a lot of people are struggling for affordable houses.
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“There is no way to get private sellers or landlords to bring their prices down so the alternative is to build more so we can keep people here and in the community.
“Places like Bridport have a lot of tourists, and it is easy for locals to be pushed out, and it is important that doesn’t happen."
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He said: “It is really tricky. I am sympathetic to people looking for places to live.
"My circumstances have meant I can afford a home, but I can see myself in that situation, I have friends who are.
“At the same time, I don’t want to see the character of the town change. I live here, and I love Bridport and part of that is because it’s a town of the size it is.”
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