Ambulance Worker’s Family Faces Homelessness Amid Housing Shortage

An emergency services employee and his family confront the prospect of homelessness, attributed to the scarcity of affordable accommodation within the Lake District region. Nick Kirkham, an emergency medical technician, has resided at the identical property in Beetham, Cumbria, for almost ten years, having been “forced” to relocate from Ambleside previously because of elevated costs. However, in July, the family discovered an eviction notice upon their return from a vacation, and Mr. Kirkham suspects his landlord intends to sell the property for conversion into a holiday rental. Westmorland and Furness Council stated its “committed to supporting the delivery of affordable housing”. Mr. Kirkham commented that he did not “expect special treatment”, but questioned, “if he was ‘struggling to find somewhere to to live and to rent, then how many other people that work for the NHS are in a similar position?'” The father of two children attributes the shortage of affordable housing partly to the prevalence of holiday rentals and secondary residences both within and surrounding the Lake District. Although served notice during the summer, the family continues to occupy the Beetham property and has not yet received any court directives, a situation Mr. Kirkham characterized as a “limbo position”. He remarked, “It’s been incredibly stressful over the past few months.” Beetham village is situated on Cumbria’s boundary with Lancashire, approximately nine miles (14km) south of Kendal, and has a population of around 1,700 residents. Mr. Kirkham’s 16-year-old daughter attends college in the area, and his 10-year-old son is enrolled at the local primary school. His wife is employed at the community supermarket. The family is currently being assisted by Westmorland and Furness Council via social housing programs and submitted an application for a residence in Kendal, but they ranked seventh among applicants. Mr. Kirkham stated, “It highlights the fact that there potentially are six or seven families all homeless, waiting for suitable accommodation to come up.” A council representative indicated that £6m had been allocated to develop additional homes available for both shared ownership and rental. Close to £600,000 is designated to finance the development of further social housing. Mr. Kirkham recounted that his family had resided “comfortably” in Ambleside until the birth of their son necessitated a move to a dwelling with an additional bedroom. He explained that they were “forced to leave the village” because they were unable to locate any “affordable” options. He commented, “The properties were all gone towards holiday lets and rentals.” Mr. Kirkham mentioned that the family had to pursue social housing options to remain in the village, but the demand for properties proved overwhelming. Now confronting another potential relocation to a new area, Mr. Kirkham noted that the family had not displayed as many Christmas decorations as they “normally would,” anticipating the possibility of a property becoming available. He expressed a desire to preserve the “status quo,” citing the family’s commuting requirements and the numerous “local connections” they had established. Mr. Kirkham conveyed that his son would be “heartbroken” if compelled to change schools, and given that he is in his concluding year of primary education, such a move would constitute a “major upheaval” during “a crucial time of his education.” He added, “It can cause sleepless nights.” “It can play on your mind. I can see why it has an effect on people’s mental health,” he observed. He pondered, “It just makes you wonder if it’s all worthwhile.” “People in these local communities rely on NHS workers,” he emphasized. Nevertheless, Mr. Kirkham retains optimism. He advised, “If anybody is facing homelessness at this time of year, or if they’re have been made homeless and are struggling, particularly people that work for the NHS, maintain hope.” “There is light at the end of the tunnel and something will present itself,” he concluded. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.