“It’s Not As Bad as People Think”.

Life on an estate around an historic industry isn’t how people think.

Manager of the Marios Tinenti Community centre on Loughborough’s Bell Foundry estate Lorna Hughes said the residencies are now more stable with households less transient and staying put for longer.

“When tenants realise the quality of life the estate offers they stay and the permanency of the population improves everyone’s quality of life,” said Lorna.

But Ms Hughes said the situation is likely to worsen in the spring with lack of heating over the cold winter months causing an increase in damp and mould in the flats.

At the moment Lorna said tenants are coping with the rise in energy prices budgeting with pre – paid top up cards for their electricity metres as well as the £66 a month given to each household by the government.

“They prefer the top – up cards to direct debits so they don’t have to worry if there’s enough money in their accounts or if the energy companies will take more money than they have so putting them into arrears,” said Lorna.

“It’s mainly the standing charge that puts people into debt as it has to be paid even if the tenants aren’t here,” she added.

At the moment the Marios Tinnenti Centre directs households towards support from Leicestershire County Council’s Home Support Fund offering payments to families and single payment of around £98 per family, £56 for single occupiers and £20 to people in multiple occupancies. There are also food vouchers available.

But life is hard for some. Nicky Gibson, pictured here with her dog Bobby is relying on the kindness of friends sofa surfing. Nicky said she is originally from the Hinckley and Bosworth area but spent some time at the Falcon Centre for the homeless in Loughborough. When she had to leave there as staff said she’d be better on her own she was put up in a Travel Lodge back in Hinckley and hoped to get housing there where she’s from. But she was moved on to the Travel Lodge back in Loughborough.

“Now Charnwood Borough Council doesn’t accept I’m local to the area so I’m not considered a priority and haven’t enough points to bid successfully through the council housing website,” said Nicky.

“I’ve lived here for four years and am registered with a GP but have to sleep on other people’s sofas,” she said.

Nicky and Bobby dressed for the cold search for a permanent home