Across our neighbourhood, problematic Ex-Offenders HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) landlords have continually flouted regulations, negatively impacting our community’s safety and welfare. 

Namely the properties of concern are:

72 Winifred Road, Bedford
126 Hurst Grove, Bedford
130 Hurst Grove, Bedford
49 Honeyhill Road Bedford
16 Cromwell Road, Bedford
21 Coventry Road, Bedford

As we by law cannot be told as to nature of the offences of these ex-offenders, so they could be thieves, drug addicts etc living among us - we constantly look over our shoulders and watch our property and possessions, making the experience of living in this community truly unsettling.

We the residents of Queens Park, Bedford have experienced, violence, drug related crime, vehicles being broken into overnight throughout Queens Park since the council granted HMO licenses to a number of properties within our area.

We would like to raise our concerns with Bedford Borough Council on the following:

Potential Concerns:

Safety worries:
Some neighbours might feel uneasy about having an ex-offender living nearby, especially if the previous crimes involved violence or were particularly concerning.

Unpredictable behaviour:
Due to potential mental health issues or past trauma associated with criminal activity, an ex-offender might exhibit unpredictable behaviour, leading to tension with neighbours.

Noise disturbances:
High turnover in an HMO can lead to increased noise levels, especially if residents are not mindful of others, which could be amplified by an ex-offender struggling with adjusting to community life.

Negative perception of the neighbourhood:
Some residents might feel their property value could decrease due to the presence of an ex-offender in the building.

Research from The Guardian suggests that poorly managed HMOs with vulnerable tenants often result in a higher call-out rate for police, causing distress among local residents. While reintegration is an essential part of societal prudence, it shouldn't compromise the peace, security, and quality of life of existing community members of the road and will impact of the quality of life of residents in Queens Park, Bedford.

90% of the time the landlords or agents do not live in the same areas, so do not experience the turmoil it creates for the neighbouring houses and street and communities!

So we technically pay the council to have these ex-offenders to live next door to us- live in our streets and communities. I personally will not allow for my family or neighbours to be disturbed by mindless individuals whom have no regard for others and their property, would you?

The Bedford Borough Council, under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006, has the authority to ensure that the property owner maintains standards and neighbours live in harmony. It has been clear in our case, those standards are not being adhered to.

By signing this petition, we implore the Bedford Borough Council to reconsider the HMO licence for:

72 Winifred Road, Bedford
126 Hurst Grove, Bedford
129 Hurst Grove, Bedford
49 Honeyhill Road Bedford
16 Cromwell Road, Bedford
21 Coventry Road, Bedford:, ensuring that the community's peace and calm environment is restored.

This is not just about us. It's about protecting the rights of all residents in Bedford and beyond from potential harm and disruption caused by poorly regulated HMO properties. Please support us by signing this petition.