Serious questions must be answered

The debate over plans to move homesless people and families into properties in Parnwell – first exclusively revealed in the PT – rages on. Particularly galling to many concerned is the lack of comment from representatives of either Stef & Philips or Paul Simon Magic Homes on the deal and the business model which has caused so much anger and concern in Peterborough. The business model is legal and above board... yet so many are angry about it and, to us, it just feels wrong. People who don’t want to move are facing the prosepect of doing just that. People chose to rent homes in Parnwell for a variety of reasons, perhaps they wanted to be near a school, family or friends or perhaps it is close to work allowing busy working families to make the domestic arrangements they need to. Now many of those people face great disruption in their lives and through no fault of their own. As we have said, the business practice of the companies concerned is entirley legitimate - but with so many people facing disruption , with politicians at all levels questioning the morality of what is going on and in the face of direct questions from the PT they should be explaining their actions. The companies involved should discuss with us why they think what they are doing is the right thing to do. The people facing a move out of St Martin’s Gate, local politicians and the media at least deserve the courtesy of an answer. On a wider scale Stewart Jackson is absolutely right to pursue this in Parliament. Serious questions need to be asked about the impact of such business practices on such a scale on local communities. We’re sure Mr Jackson won’t stop asking and nor will we. >Mark Edwards >@PT Mark Edwards

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