CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets to highlight fears over a flood of evictions expected following the end of a Government ban during lockdown.

Evictions were halted during the pandemic but landlords are now able to evict tenants as regulations revert to normal, including section 21 “no fault” evictions.

Fears are growing of a timebomb of thousands of evictions in Southend because many people are in debt after losing jobs during the pandemic.

Campaign group Eviction Resistance Southend pitched up in Southend High Street to highlight the problem.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I am well behind on my rent because of Covid.

“I got a letter from my landlord saying they can’t do anything until June.

“But June is here now and I’m worried every day that I’ll get an eviction notice through.”

Louise Calton, a campaigner with the group said: “The stories we’ve heard from tenants in Southend have been awful.

“One resident has a disabled child and is living with an unsafe boiler and wiring that is a serious safety hazard. But the landlord is refusing to do anything.”

Southend Council has spearheaded a “Call before you Serve” scheme which helps resolve issues with the support of the council.

Westborough Labour councillor Aston Line added: “No-one should lose their home because of the pandemic.

“The Government must also do more to protect people in the private rental sector. We’ve seen measures rightly put in place to protect homeowners. The same support must be forthcoming for private tenants.

“The Government has repeatedly told renters that it will scrap ‘no fault’ evictions, but we haven’t seen any plans for this.”

Read more:

'Enough is enough': Bosses in bid to hold 'summit' after Leigh 'stabbing'

Former footie legend and TV star Dion Dublin opens gym studio at leisure centre

Anne Jones, Labour councillor responsible for communities and housing, said: “While it was important to have the eviction ban in place during the pandemic, we knew it couldn’t stay indefinitely and there are already several schemes in place in Southend to offer help and support to both tenants and landlords.

“No one chooses to become homeless and I don’t believe any landlord would issue an eviction notice unless they felt they had no other choice.

“So I would urge landlords to think carefully and to ‘Call before you Serve’ to speak with one of our housing solutions officers. “The team can provide mediation between landlords and tenants and ultimately help prevent evictions.”

“Any tenant who is worried about eviction, including those in social housing with any registered provider, can call the housing solutions team at Southend Council and speak to one of our advisors about their rights, personalised housing plans and financial aid, which is available.”