Demolition works on South Lambeth estate blamed for causing health problems in disabled residents
By Alexandra Warren
Demolition has started on a housing estate, with people claiming extreme distress and health problems are being caused to disabled residents.
Lambeth council has begun pre-building works at Wimborne House to prepare for a new tower block.
But noise and dust caused by the works have led to serious issues for two disabled women who live on the ground floor of the tower, on the South Lambeth Estate.
Both women have suffered greatly due to the din caused by the demolition work, the use of heavy construction equipment and the installation of the constructors’ office. The works also include refurbishing the lobby and the community room.
Odyssey Lyle, 43, has profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) including autism and hyperacusis – a rare hearing disorder which means every day noises become loud and painful.
Another woman, in her 30s, who lives in the flats also has PMLD and chronic respiratory illness.
Dreenagh Lyle, Odyssey’s mother and carer, said: “It’s not annoying, it actually is painful. Odyssey head butts and punches herself in the face because she’s trying to stop the pain. I can’t see that that’s acceptable.”
She added that her neighbour’s daughter “shudders and shakes” every time the noise starts because she can’t understand where it’s coming from.
The large amounts of concrete dust caused by the works are also concerning for the residents.
A Lambeth council spokesman said: “We apologise for the disruption during these essential works to refurbish the building’s entrance and rebuild the community room.
“We have updated all affected households and the local resident association throughout – and have worked with our contractor on the job to make sure they are as considerate as possible while they are on site.
“We have held two mitigation panels so far and have really listened and taken on board the concerns raised by those residents with extra needs. We are looking at what further reasonable adjustments can be made, including re-housing whilst the works take place.
“Where residents have concerns we have worked hard to address them, and will continue to do so.”