After a visit to The Keep, Kingston, last month, MP Liam Fox has written to defence secretary John Hutton demanding better treatment for the families of Kingston’s armed forces personnel.

Mr Fox, the Conservative defence spokesman, heard residents’ complaints about struggling to get even the most basic repairs done to their homes. The also complained about poor lighting and rubbish-filled communal areas.

Mr Fox said residents also complained about poor lighting and rubbish in the communal areas.

His letter to MP John Hutton said: “Our troops want to know that their families will be well treated, especially when they are fighting overseas.

“The last thing they need are telephone calls and letters from home, frustrated because they cannot get basic housing facilities or ordinary problems solved.

“These issues may seem small in isolation but they will ultimately have an effect on the morale of both our serving personnel and their families.”

Zac Goldsmith, parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park, who organised the visit, said: “I hope John Hutton will take immediate action, and that our own council will take more interest in improving conditions at The Keep.”