Union members hold second protest outside Lancaster estate agents

Acorn Lancaster and Morecambe returned to protest outside of Mighty Student Living in Bowerham regarding an ongoing member defence case.

And Mighty House say they have now refused to discuss the matter further without a formal apology for the treatment of their staff.

Acorn is a community-based union of working class people - tenants, workers, residents - which supports and empowers low-income communities across the country to fight for a better life.

They said the second protest, which lasted 30 to 40 minutes, was due to "a lack of cooperation, or even a willingness to engage in any sort of meaningful dialogue, by Mighty Student Living."

"We would like it to be noted that at no point did the pavement or any doorway become blocked due to the actions of union members," a spokesman said.

"An Acorn representative entered the letting agency in order to try and engage in dialogue and reach a resolution, but this was refused.

"Acorn Lancaster and Morecambe are committed to defending renters and putting the welfare and interests of our members first.

"We believe that Mighty Student Living has been unconducive to meaningful dialogue that would help lead to a resolution to this case.

"Acorn Lancaster and Morecambe will continue to try for meaningful dialogue for a resolution to this issue but will continue to engage in action to defend our members."

Peter Charnley, director of Mighty House, said: "I made it clear to Acorn that we required their acceptance of the fact they were wrong to protest without first contacting us, in order to obtain our response.

"Furthermore, I explained that we now require an apology from them for upsetting staff, due to the very intimidating nature of the protest, which resulted in upset staff and us closing the office early.

"Acorn have refused to apologise or accept they were wrong. I also provided a statement in response to their previous protest, stating that their protest was against the wrong company and yet this week they have again continued to protest against Mighty House.

"As I previously stated, Mighty House have not been involved in the issue of this tenant who owes money to one of Mighty Student Living's clients.

"Acorn have shown a complete lack of respect for a reputable local business and without a formal apology we will not be meeting with them to discuss this matter further."