Better late than never to tackle rental sector

I WAS delighted to read that at last the council is going to take some control of the private rental sector.

Those of us who live near to either of Coventry’s two universities know how fast this has grown in the last six or seven years.

We have been complaining for years now about all the issues mentioned by Coventry’s property licensing manager, including fly-tipping, poorly maintained and managed accommodation and anti-social behaviour.

Groups such as CAN (Coventry Action for Neighbourhoods) and individual residents’ groups have also campaigned for action to be taken – personally, I started writing to the council in 2011! – so this news will be very welcome.

It will also be welcome to tenants, including students, who have found that some landlords have left them in accommodation where heating has broken down, or main drains are blocked, or other repairs and maintenance are neglected, while still being more than happy to collect the rent.

The selective licensing policy, and checks on the suitability of landlords, should mean that standards in privately rented accommodation are improved.

However, we note that, as quoted in your article, the Housing Act 2004 gives councils power ‘to impose a selective licensing policy in certain areas where the issues are most prevalent.’

In other words, the council has had these powers available to it for the last 15 years. So, while thanking those councillors who have listened to residents and supported us, we can’t help thinking ‘Better late than never!’ Barbara Moore Stoke

Thousands raised during sleigh rides

SANTA has returned to the North Pole. His elves are having a wellearned rest and Rudolph and his fellow reindeer are resting, enjoying fresh carrots and hay.

During December Rugby Rokeby Lions Clubs hitched up Santa’s Sleigh and visited most of the neighbourhoods and neighbouring villages around Rugby.

Santa spent 22 evenings travelling around Rugby and 13 days at static events that included Sainsburys, Tesco, ASDA, Elliot’s Field and Rugby Central.

A full club effort together with other volunteer organisations spent around 720 hours to make the event happen and the people of Rugby and the surrounding villages responded magnificently helping raise over £18,500, which will all be used to support local good causes and people in need during the coming year.

The Sleigh is hard work but great fun and enjoyed by all. As you make your New Year’s resolutions if you feel you would like to join an organisation that while internationally recognised works locally for the communities in which it is based Rugby Rokeby Lions Club would be pleased to welcome you.

If interested please call Rugby Rokeby Lions Club on 01788331194 or secretary.rugbyrokebylions@ gmail.com for initial contact or find our details at e-clubhouse.org/ sites/rugbyrokeby/contact.php or visit our Facebook page at Rugby Rokeby Lions Club.

Ian P Mills

Rugby Rokeby Lions Club

It’s a grey day for our city buses

I HAVE noticed our newest buses are all dark grey.

For decades Coventry was uniquely allowed to have its own distinctive blue livery.

Will that gradually disappear now? Did National Express consult with the City Council or anyone about this?

B Morton

Green Lane