Garage rents set to double

Anger over price rise

A Peterborough pensioner has said he will have to sell off sentimental family heirlooms - after Cross Keys Homes more than doubled the cost of renting garages in the city.

Terrance De Brystow, who rents a garage in Cumberland House off St Mary’s Court in the city centre was one of dozens of residents who received a letter from Cross Keys Homes this week.

Mr De Brystow is currently paying £8.40 per week (including VAT) to rent the garage - but from April 6 the rent will increase by more than £13 a week to £21.60 (including VAT, or rising from £7 to £18 excluding VAT).

Mr De Brystow said: “I have been given three weeks notification to find an alternative. I store my family heirlooms there, but now they will have to be sent to auction and sold for a probable pittance against true value.”

Mary Bryce, Director of Supported Housing and Care at Cross Keys Homes said: “It has been several years since we assessed our garage charges against other parking providers in Peterborough.

“Parking in the city centre is in high demand and as a result parking costs have risen over the years.

“After completing a benchmarking exercise, we have revised our charges and are now operating different pricing bands dependent on the garage location.

“I am confident that these still offer a competitive rate when compared to other secure parking options in accessible locations.

“We have written to all customers to make them aware of their new charges which will come into effect in April and are happy to discuss concerns with customers.”

There are currently 1,047 residents renting a lock-up in Peterborough from Cross Keys. A total of 117 garages are in the highest city centre price bracket. Forty seven customers will pay the highest £21.60, as Cross Keys Homes’ residents will be given a discounted rate.

No resident living in a Cross Keys Homes property will pay more than £12. The lowest cost for a garage will be £7.50 per week.