Tower block residents march on council offices in protest of ‘slum living’

Residents of a council tower block marched on the town hall in protest of what they describe as “squalid, unsafe and demeaning living conditions”.

Milford Towers in Catford is home to hundreds of people in temporary accommodation, who have complained about disrepair and neglect by the council.

One resident, Prince, described the flats as “slum living” and said it was a “nightmare”.

He said that people often took drugs in communal areas, lifts were frequently out of service and the stairs were filthy, adding: “We are not animals. We are human beings.

“Where do we stand? Where do we go? Where’s the help? This is slum living.”

In 2013, Lewisham Council signed a contract with housing association, Notting Hill Genesis, to manage the property and ‘reduce the risk of crime’ on the estate. 

Residents say that despite this, they are treated like “ping pong balls whilst crime and drug use is rampant and requests for repairs are totally ignored”. 

The building is set for future demolition as part of Lewisham Council’s plan to “regenerate” Catford high street.

The London Renters Union (LRU), a tenant’s union with more than 5000 members across the capital which has organised the protest with residents, condemned Lewisham council’s lack of action.

Kane Shaw, an LRU organiser, said: “The living conditions at Milford Towers are unacceptable. The residents have been ignored for years and we have seen shocking levels of disrepair and neglect from the council. 

“In our opinion this outsourcing arrangement is driven by nothing other than greed”. 

Residents have written an open letter to Councillor Paul Bell, Head of Housing and Planning. They are demanding an end to disrepair, greater security and a review into fire safety.

The letter read: “Disrepair is rife at Milford Towers, our homes are cold, poorly insulated, poorly ventilated, mouldy, damp and often flooded. Many of the appliances do not work and we often have to carry out our own repairs because Lewisham Council and Notting Hill Genesis do not act.

“It is not uncommon for our electricity and water to be cut off for days at a time without warning and for our plumbing to not work for prolonged periods of time – this is not acceptable. We know that those who work for Lewisham Council and Notting Hill Genesis would not tolerate living in these conditions, so we do not see why we should be expected to.”

They also marched on council offices on October 25.

Fenella Beckman, Director of Housing Services, and Councillor Paul Bell, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, have agreed to meet with residents in two weeks time to negotiate over their demands. 

A spokesman for Lewisham council said: “We are aware of the issues raised by residents of Milford Towers and will be meeting with residents in due course to discuss their concerns.

“Lewisham Homes have carried out extensive repair works in recent years, investing several million pounds to ensure the safety and security of residents living on the estate. 

“This has included external concrete repairs, refurbishment of the lifts and a programme of roof repair works which is scheduled to take place in the coming months. 

“Fire safety risk assessments are in place across all Lewisham Homes estates and Lewisham Homes meet regularly with the London Fire Brigade to review issues in relation to fire safety.

“We have been working closely with Lewisham Homes, Notting Hill Genesis and the local police to manage issues of anti-social behaviour, with increased police patrols on the estate and the surrounding area in recent months. We are also exploring legal options to prevent people suspected of anti-social behaviour from entering the estate.”