SHADOW housing minister Emma Reynolds visited Ealing Village yesterday (Tuesday) with Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Ealing Central and Acton, Rupa Huq, to meet with private renters.

Concerns were raised that renters who have lived there for many years are being forced out of Ealing Village due to increased rents.

The higher rents are the result of a contentious enforced double-glazing window replacement programme, which will cost some leaseholders up to £26,000.

Emma Reynolds outlined Labour’s housing plans, which it says will bring more stability and regulation to the rental market.

Councillors David Rogers and Paul Conlan were also in attendance.

Neil Lemaire, 38, said: “I moved to Ealing Village 16 years ago, and have always been involved in the community.

“I have rented five different flats here. When our landlord found out that his service charge was going up from approx £7,000 to more than £14,000 per year, he told my partner and I he would be selling his property.

“Next month, we will be moving to a more expensive rental property, which is further away from the nursery our daughter goes to.

“As a family with average-to-low income, we are already in an economic group called the ‘squeezed middle’.

“So, being forced to move out of our home to fund a project that only seems to be designed to grow other people's assets, is putting greater financial pressure on us.

“After a long and happy time with the many friends we have made in this estate, I am so sad my daughter will not be able enjoy the same right to live in the community that I have dedicated so much of my time to.”

Patrick Cleere, 62, added: “I have lived in Ealing Village for 13 years and have only been able to stay in the flat because I offered my landlord an extra £300 per month and he took it off the market. So, my rent has now increased by 33%.”

The scheme to restore grade two-listed Ealing Village, originally built for use by stars filming at Ealing Studios, was approved by one vote at Ealing Council planning committee last month.

New roofs, external redecorations and the introduction of a double-glazed replica of the original Crittall windows are planned at a five-year cost of £6m.

The once-luxury development, with private parkland grounds, clubhouse, tennis court and lido, has fallen into disrepair in modern times.