LIB DEMS CALL FOR SAFER STUDENT HOUSING

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Dec 2004

Liberal Democrat Party President Simon Hughes is visiting Leeds University tomorrow to put his support behind a new Student Safety Campaign being launched by Cllr Greg Mulholland, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Leeds North West, and the Leeds University Liberal Democrat Group.

The 'Keep Safe, Keep Secure' campaign is being launched to highlight students' rights regarding housing and landlords' legal requirements to ensure their properties are safe and secure.

Greg Mulholland, says, "As a councillor representing a large student housing community, I am very concerned about the living conditions of some student housing whose landlords do not maintain their properties to the required standards."

The campaign will focus on all houses being fitted with smoke alarms that are regularly checked and fire extinguishing equipment. Legally gas meters must be checked by registered engineers, with each tenant being given a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate, as well as general security measures including British standard locks fitted to doors and windows.

Liberal Democrat Party President Simon Hughes says, "The Liberal Democrats support students with the abolition of tuition fees and the reintroduction of grants, and we are also very concerned about their standard of living."

James Blake, leader of the Leeds University Liberal Democrat Group says, "Many of Leeds' Students have raised concerns about safety and security in rented accommodation. We want to send out a clear message to make student housing safer and more secure."

Cllr Greg Mulholland adds, "There are many good landlords in the Leeds 6 area, however, we are keen that all landlords take their responsibilities seriously."

The campaign was launched, by Simon Hughes MP, Cllr Greg Mulholland and the Leeds University Liberal Democrat Group on Friday 18th November on Leeds University Parkinson Building Steps.