Tenants Action Makes a Difference

This year sees the 50th Anniversary (16 May) of the partial collapse of Ronan Point caused by a gas explosion. This and 8 similar Large Panel System (LPS) blocks in LB Newham were demolished in the late 1980s following tenants campaigning and an official fire test which proved they were unsafe. In view of the Grenfell Tower Disaster the safety of all Tall Blocks should be urgently reviewed.

Cracks in the System the excellent film by the Rainbow Collective shows how determined tenants action in Ledbury Estate Southwark has brought about awareness of the risks. These LPS blocks have had their gas turned off, 24:7 fire marshals and residents are currently being re-housed. See their short film on this website under Information & Resources, Community Groups & Campaigns.

On Broadwater Farm Estate Homes for Haringey has stated that Tangmere & Northolt “require significant works to prevent structural problems” whilst Kenley is differently constructed. They have instituted a temporary concierge service to ensure no bottled gas is brought into the premises whilst they await an engineers report in May, aiming to present preferred options to tenants in July.

An investigation of Goscote House in Leicester has found that the structural integrity of its concrete frame “cannot be guaranteed for longer than five years” so the council has decided to move tenants out of its 134 flats by April 2019 and demolish the block.

We understand Homes for Lewisham has emptied Lethbridge Estate of residents by February and Morris Walk Estate in Greenwich is being emptied of residents by the end of the summer 2018 with demolition planned for the autumn.

Tenants and residents really can make a difference. Please contact us via the contact sheet on our website to tell us your story and concerns.