Residents of Grahame Park in Barnet, London, have described the estate as one of the UK's 'worst', claiming they have been 'left to rot'. One resident said they feel 'locked up for years', with some parts of the estate reportedly becoming 'no-go zones'.
The central block has been labelled a 'hive of criminal activity', according to the Daily Star. In a two-month period earlier this year, more than 150 arrests were made, averaging nearly three a day. Victoria Riche, 34, fears for her young daughter's safety, telling The Sun that 'drug dealers' are 'ruining' the estate. Another resident described troublemakers as 'crackheads' who frequently smoke, drink and sleep outside front doors.
Barnet Council has announced the estate will be demolished and replaced with 300 new homes. However, some residents are unhappy, saying they have received no information about where they will move, reinforcing their feeling of being 'left to rot'.
Local councillor Barry Rawlings said: 'Blocks are being fitted with new secure door entry systems and extensive CCTV is being installed. We're investing £32m into improvement works in homes in Grahame Park, providing new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, and significant fire safety works in public areas. We're also investing £2 million to tackle damp and mould in social housing across the borough of Barnet including Grahame Park.' He acknowledged there is 'still some way to go' but said making the estate safe and clean is a priority.
