Around 30 families who could have been made homeless during the coronavirus pandemic have been saved from eviction.

A number of households living at Burgoyne Heights in Guston, near Dover, had been served notices prior to the government's directions.

But thanks to intervention from Deal and Dover MP Natalie Elphicke, the landlords and the Ministry of Defence agreed to withdraw the notices.

The Conservative politician is now urging businesses including landlords, hotels and holiday parks to “do the right thing” during the crisis.

She said: “This is a time of national crisis – a time where we all need to look out for each other.

“I appreciate that many businesses are under incredible pressure in difficult circumstances but this is not a time to be evicting anyone."

Several residents of St Margaret’s Holiday Park had also been told to leave the site.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has written directly to Mrs Elphicke confirming there is an exemption for “permanent residents who should be allowed to remain” on caravan sites and holiday camps in our area.

The MP and her team have worked with the Park owners in the light of the guidance to reverse the decision and let permanent residents remain at this time.

A spokesman for ParkDean, the owners of St Margaret’s Holiday Park, apologised for the handling of the matter saying, “we are sorry if they feel their cases have not been suitably handled” and confirming that they are complying with the latest Government guidance.

In addition, they have donated surplus food to local charities, offered spare accommodation for local keyworkers and kept on all employees on full wages.

Further discussions with landlords, hotels and other businesses are ongoing.

Mrs Elphicke added: "This is not a time to be making people redundant instead of using the Government’s support schemes. It is contrary to the Government position and must stop.

“People should stay in their homes at this time of national emergency in order to stop the spread of the virus – Stay Home and Stay Safe.

"So far as possible, workers should be kept in their jobs. This extreme situation may only last weeks if everyone does what is needed.

"Every business or individual who acts badly takes up valuable national and local resources that need to be used to save lives. Stop – Think – and Act Responsibly.”

Anyone with specific concerns relating to the outbreak is advised to visit her website www.natalieelphicke.com which will be updated with advice, links to official guidance and key contact details.

They can also get in touch with her directly by emailing natalie.elphicke.mp@parliament.uk

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