I attended the Hanover and Elm Grove "Local Action Team" on Thursday night, chaired by Green Councillor Georgia Wrighton.

It was good to see so many people coming together - with the police and with council officers and members - to explore how to address issues of concern in the local area. A top priority for many was the need for appropriately-sited, affordable, dedicated student accommodation and for irresponsible landlords to be called to account. It's good that both students and long-term residents are trying to work together to resolve problems.

I'm concerned, though, that not enough is being done to ensure that there's enough housing for families in the city. Without more controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), there's a risk that it will always seem a good deal for landlords to split up houses - and maintain them poorly - for students, rather than renting to families.

Afterwards, a quick drink in the Napier - a great pub. I recently signed up up to the Campaign for Real Ale's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter.

I completely support their work to halt the rapid decline of local pubs - closing at five per week across the country - as a means to protect local communities and local economies, as well as safeguarding the jobs and investment that these businesses bring.