TAUNTON MP Jeremy Browne says he is continuing to fight the corner of Crown Estate tenants facing eviction.

Residents from 45 Crown Estate properties around Taunton Deane have been told they need to buy their homes or leave within six months.

Mr Browne said: “The impact on rural communities like Staple Fitzpaine will be significant.

“The Crown Estate is not acting illegally but I have been urging them to see what extra measures they can take to help their residents.

“The tenants do not want to move but some would be open-minded about potential compromises like trying to buy their homes.

“That requires the Crown Estate to have a generous-spirited attitude. Instead the tenants have complained to me that the houses have been offered to them for purchase at above the market rate and that the Crown Estate has not been forthcoming with essential information like the timescales for future sell-offs.

“I am continuing to work with the Taunton Deane Crown Estate tenants to try and get the best possible outcome for them.

"I have contacted the Crown Estate again to raise the concerns of the tenants.”