The National Landlords Association (NLA) has launched a new social media campaign aimed at raising opposition to the proposed ‘Article 4 designation’ in Portsmouth – a measure which it claims could see a significant drop in the amount of shared housing available in the city.

The online, Facebook and Twitter campaign, Save Housing In Portsmouth, is aiming to get local people who will be affected by the plans to write to Councillor Mike Hancock to highlight the impact the proposal will have on people living in the area. Councillor Hancock, who is also MP for Portsmouth South, will be responsible for approving the Article 4 designation at a meeting on 31 January 2011.

Portsmouth City Council believes that shared housing, popular with young professionals, students and those on low incomes, can have “negative effects”” on “”local communities””.