Residents of the Lesnes Estate face dire conditions as regeneration plans stall, leaving them in limbo and surrounded by decay
Thamesmead: It’s a tough situation for folks living on the Lesnes Estate. They’re stuck next to boarded-up homes, dealing with pests and mold. It’s like a scene from a horror movie, and it’s been going on for way too long.
This estate, known for its brutalist architecture and even featured in “A Clockwork Orange,” has turned into a ghost town. Only about a quarter of the original residents are still hanging on. The rest? They’ve moved out, leaving behind a mess.
Bexley Council had plans to replace the old homes with new ones, but those plans have hit a wall. Residents are left in limbo, living next to empty houses that are falling apart. It’s frustrating, to say the least.
One resident, Zoë Garbett, spoke up during a meeting with Mayor Sadiq Khan. She pointed out that about 200 people are still living there, but the place is a disaster. Kitchens are ripped out, walls are crumbling, and there’s trash everywhere.
It’s been nearly a decade of waiting for these residents to see any real change. They feel abandoned, and it’s taking a toll on their health. It’s not just about the buildings; it’s about their lives.
Recently, they even handed a petition to the Mayor, asking for some action on the stalled development. Khan promised to look into it, but residents are understandably skeptical.
They’ve been worried about losing their homes and the impact of all this on their lives. The estate is littered with broken furniture and abandoned cars, making it feel even more like a lost cause.
Peabody, the housing association involved, hasn’t commented yet, but the residents are hoping for some answers soon.
