Residents so fed-up with mouldy estate they have voted to knock it down
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents in a block of mouldy flats have voted to have their own homes knocked down because they are so fed up with the problems there.
It comes two years on from awful living conditions first being exposed on the estate in South Norwood, Croydon, which opened up a national discussion on the state of council housing in the country.
A ballot on whether to demolish the flats in Regina Road closed on Monday, and those who voted have backed plans to demolish the flats.
There was an 81.7 per cent turnout of eligible residents, of which 88 per cent voted to have the blocks demolished, which is equivalent to 118 people. Just 16 people voted “no” to the offer.
Kingomzila Ludiambele has lived in the block which was worst affected by damp and mould for 15 years, and faces regular leaks in his flat.
He said: “These buildings aren’t good any more, they have to demolish them and build new ones. They ask us to choose whether to come back but if the place I go to is fine I would stay there. Many flats are empty now because of the problems. It was terrible.”
The area that will be demolished includes three 11-storey tower blocks as well as low rise blocks surrounding them and houses, including Sunny Bank numbers 1-8B.
The result will be referred back to the council’s mayor and cabinet before the next stage of the project is reached.
Cabinet is expected consider whether the council should apply for funding from the GLA (Greater London Authority) to fund the rebuild.
Mayor Jason Perry said: “I’d like to thank Regina Road residents for getting involved and having their say on the future of the Regina Road estate.
The council will continue to work with them and listen to their views as the project progresses. My thanks go out to Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Cllr Lynne Hale, and our staff who have worked so hard on this issue.
“All council tenants and leaseholders should expect to have warm, safe and dry homes that they are proud to live in and I am committed to delivering this pledge as part of the transformation of Croydon’s housing service.”
A meeting for residents will be held on May 31, from 6pm at Stanley Arts to find out more about the results and ask the council questions.
Pictured top: Some residents in Regina Road are living in terrible conditions (Picture: Tim Clarke)
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