Tenants told to leave homes near Hathaway cottage

Tenants living in a row of homes near to Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford have been told they need to move out to allow for renovation work takes place.

The eight buildings need to be vacant before the works can start, owners Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the organisation does not "care about tenants" and only wants to use the homes as holiday lets in the future.

A spokesperson for the trust said they have "ensured that tenants have been given extended and advance notice" of their intentions.

The tenant said that those living in the cottages were sent an email on 17 February from the trust, listing their intention to issue a section 21 eviction notice.

That notice, which gives tenants two months to move out, has not yet been issued.

"I've now got two months to find where to live at a time of year when there are no priorities for rent around Stratford," he said.

"My personal belief, and the belief of people who live here, is that they want to eventually convert them into short term or holiday lets because that's what makes the most money.

"They don't care about tenants.

"I understand that things need to be done. It's just the way they've gone about doing it - it leaves a bit of a sour taste."

A spokesperson for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said the refurbishment works, including improvements to the heating and insulation in the properties, need to be carried out to meet their "statutory requirements" as landlords.

"Due to the complexity and invasiveness of the works, which will take considerable time to complete, we have ensured that tenants have been given extended and advance notice, a minimum of three months, to make alternative arrangements," they said.

"We are working in partnership with our property management company to find suitable alternative accommodation.

"Following the completion of the works, the Trust will seek to relet these properties, as before, on either long or short-term tenancies."

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