The tenant activist group ACORN has come to the defence of a Preston resident who is facing eviction, mobilising its members to prevent what they describe as an ‘illegal removal’.

The local branch of the community union branch is calling for supporters to form a ‘human shield’ outside Miguel’s Broadgate home to block bailiffs.

He thinks he can roll over tenants’ rights and make a man homeless without following the law. Not on our watch.”

According to a post on ACORN Preston’s Facebook page: “Miguel’s landlord is illegally evicting him! He thinks he can roll over tenants’ rights and make a man homeless without following the law. Not on our watch.

“The landlord won’t give him a copy of the rental agreement, so he can’t claim Universal Credit. Because he can’t claim UC, he can’t pay rent.”

The protest comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill moves through the House of Lords, with housing charity Shelter claiming that evictions are rising to beat the impending rule changes.

A real piece of work

An ACORN spokesperson told the Lancashire Post: “The landlord is a real piece of work, so we need to have as many people as possible there to make sure things don’t turn nasty.

“With that in mind, please bring any friends, family or whoever that you think can make it. One person can be the difference between keeping Miguel in his home.”

ACORN, which has branches across the UK, is becoming increasingly involved in high-profile eviction cases and regularly mobilises community members to prevent bailiffs from carrying out their duties, as well as pursuing legal challenges to eviction notices.