Tenant’s shock as they’re told to leave Stratford home of 18 years

TENANTS of properties owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust have reacted with shock and dismay at being told they’ll have to leave their homes at short notice so renovation work can take place.

Letters from the trust’s agents, Sheldon Bosley Knight, started dropping into inboxes in mid-February giving tenants notice that their landlord wanted them out.

“I am writing to give you prior notice of your landlord’s intention to seek possession of your property on Cottage Lane,” the letter stated. “The whole block has been earmarked for a significant refurbishment which sadly will not be possible with tenants in occupation.

“The refurbishments are scheduled to take some considerable time to complete and thereafter the trust will seek to re-let on either long or short term tenancies.

“This has been a carefully considered decision by the trust, however, we fully appreciate that this is likely to be unwelcome news and therefore we will be doing all we can to ease the process.”

Keith Smith, 50, who lives with his wife and 23-year-old daughter in one of eight homes owned by the trust in Cottage Lane, Shottery, told the Herald: “There was no proper contact or a meeting to discuss it. To just get an email was a bit of a shock.”

He and his family have lived in the property for about 18 years and are currently paying £725 a month in rent. Along with six other tenants they’ve been given three months to vacate the premises. (One of the houses is presently uninhabited.)

“I think it’s rather rushed, because it takes time to find somewhere else to live,” said Keith. “My wife was very emotional about it because we’ve been here a long time. It’s a fantastic place to live.”

Anthony Greene, 46, has lived in his cottage for three years and was hoping his long term partner would move in with him in the spring.

The freelance construction site manager said: “I was actually discussing with my partner about her moving in, but now that’s ruined.

“We got an email out of the blue, then a letter telling us we were being evicted and had eight weeks to get out. I thought what the hell?

“I’ve got neighbours who work for the trust and they are just as surprised as I am.”

He added: “I’m a site manager and I've worked with buildings, there’s nothing here that cannot be done with the residents in situ.

“Unless it’s something about converting them to holiday lets.

“I think 99 per cent they’re going to be holiday lets, it's all about going after the tourist money.”

A spokesperson for the trust told the Herald: “In order to continue to meet our statutory requirements all eight properties on Cottage Lane must undergo renovation and maintenance work, including new heating systems and insulation.

“The works are being directly funded by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as part of our wider commitment to conservation across our estate.

“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.

“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 re-let these properties.”

However, finding a two-bedroom rental property in Stratford for under £800 a month is a near impossible task. The closest a quick search on Rightmove could provide was a terrace home in Ryland Street for £895 a month. It’s advertised by Sheldon Bosley Knight.

The only other central properties under £900 a month were flats or maisonettes.

“My rent was £800-a-month, which is one of the reasons why I moved here. It is good value.