DOZENS of Hampshire pensioners are claiming a small victory after their landlord backtracked on a rent hike which would have cost them hundreds of pounds each year.

Furious residents who live in bungalows owned by Places for People in Dunvegan Drive, Lordswood, were told that their rent would increase back in June.

As previously reported, the hike would have seen them pay an extra £10.59 a week – much of the increase was due to a £6.97 service charge to pay for the maintenance of trees.

But now they have bowed to pressure and cut the tree surcharge in half, meaning residents will now pay an extra £7.50 – as the surcharge has been reduced to £2.29 a week.

The reduced rent comes after a resident fought for months campaigning to have the service charge cut.

Len Neesan wrote letters to high-profile figures including David Cameron, former Conservative Foreign Secretary William Hague, Secretary of State Iain Duncan-Smith and even the Queen.

The 80-year-old is delighted that Places for People has now reduced the rent.

Mr Neesan said: “The tenants who live in Dunvegan Drive are over the moon. I have had so many cards thanking me for what I have done.

“Just because we are old does not mean we have to suffer. This company and big organisations should not be allowed to walk over us.

“Anything unfair I do not like and one thing I like in this life is logic and if there is no logic that makes no sense to me, and if they come out with something that does not seem right I will try to put it right."

Councillor for Coxford Ward, Don Thomas, praised Len for his determination.

He said: “Len is a much respected Lordswood community champion. He was never going to agree or be intimidated by this large multi-billion-pound private housing company.

“Len organised his neighbours to fight back this unjustified service increase, his dogged determination writing, and speaking to anyone who would listen never ever giving up. He and he alone forced this U-turn. Len’s fortitude holds no bounds. I respect him so much.”