‘Where is my planter?’: Historic plant pots disappear from estate

Residents have been left “extremely upset” after waking up to find historic planters on their estate’s balcony had been removed.

Without any warning, about 10 planters from Cressingham Gardens in Hardel Walk, Tulse Hill, disappeared on Tuesday morning, leaving sharp screws sticking out of the balcony.

Pamela Godwin, 85, who lives on the estate, said: “My son came to visit me on Tuesday and asked me where the planter was. I opened the door and it was gone. So was my next-door neighbour’s and several others.”

Mrs Godwin said she was particularly upset by the disappearance because of the planters’ historic significance.

She said: “Those planters have been there since the estate was built in 1976. Every year me and my family plant flowers in it and it looks really pretty in the summertime.

“We have spent a lot of money and time looking after it and now all that’s left is a complete eyesore.”

Residents have reported the incident to the police and say that the council has not been able to provide any information as to what has happened and if their contractors are involved.

Mrs Godwin said: “I can only assume it was the council – people doing electricity on the estate. But we had no warning, none of us have any idea what has happened.

“Whoever took it, I want to know where my planter is!”

A Lambeth council spokesman said: “The council did not remove these planters. But their removal and replacement with new planters had been proposed as it is possible that the originals dating from the 1970s contain asbestos. This is being discussed with the estates management committee.”

Pictured top: Pamela Godwin next to the space on her balcony with the missing planter (Picture: Pamela Godwin)