SELWOOD Housing has joined a nationwide campaign to end the housing crisis, with the Wiltshire-based housing association calling for the next government to come up with a plan to tackle the issue.

The firm hosted the National Housing Federation’s Routemaster bus, which is travelling from Land’s End to Berwick-upon-Tweed as part of the Homes for Britain campaign, at Trowbridge Civic Centre today (Feb 27).

Homes for Britain wants the next government to come up with a long-term plan to tackle the housing crisis within a year of getting into office and is holding a rally at Westminster on March 17.

The event outside the Civic Centre gave the public an opportunity to pledge their support by signing a petition, before Selwood handed over a giant key baton to Bath housing association Curo, where the bus will be heading next.

Selwood Housing’s development director Paul Walsh said: “The National Housing Federation recognises that there is an election coming up and the importance of housing, which often struggles against other priorities.

“There are lots of people in private renting accommodation who can’t afford to buy their own homes and we recognise there is a significant supply and demand issue.

“It is difficult for young people and families. We are doing what we can to build affordable homes and this year we are delivering 125 homes across Trowbridge, Salisbury, Warminster and Codford.

“Yet there is still a huge need for more homes across the country. We only build about half the homes that we need, which means the demand is constantly growing. The Homes for Britain campaign is about getting the political parties to recognise this.”

Selwood Housing is one of over 30 housing associations taking part in the bus relay, ahead of the Homes for Britain rally in Westminster, where thousands are expected to unite.

Homes for Britain’s call comes at a time when housing demand vastly outstrip supply at both a national and local level.

Jenny Allen, external affairs manager at the National Housing Federation, said: “We are delighted that Selwood Housing Group is backing Homes for Britain.

“By taking the housing crisis to the heart of Westminster, Selwood Housing Group is highlighting the need to end the housing crisis within a generation.”