Residents concerned £7m housing may place ex-convicts near children’s center in Knowle West, Bristol, sparking safety fears.
Locals worry because they think the area could get worse. The pods might house criminals freed from jail, and people question why the council built them near the center. Some occupants will move in soon.
Rianne Hartrey, a mom, feels concerned and does not want criminals near her kids. She says the area already faces struggles, and she prefers that they house locals. Angela Salt, a retired cleaner, is also unhappy, thinking it is unfair to place them in her neighborhood.
She worries about her grandchildren’s safety because people don’t know who will live there. Paul Ridgeon thinks it is wrong to place people there, and he feels locals should get help first. He wants to know who will occupy the flats and thinks it may cause tension.
Megan King uses the children’s center and does not mind the pods. She believes people deserve a chance to rebuild their lives; they need a place to live, she states.
Zed Pods are affordable, energy-efficient homes. They are well insulated and contain triple-glazed windows. Solar panels sit atop their roofs, and each apartment has its own kitchen, bathroom, and a balcony.
Bristol Council wants to solve the housing crisis and offer secure homes. According to them, six pods will house homeless people, and seven will be available for people on the register. Funding comes, in part, from two programs.