Greater London Assembly candidate for Greenwich and Lewisham, Karin Tearle, led an action day at the Orchard Estate last Saturday (27 January) to learn more about the condition of resident housing.
14 members of Greenwich & Bexley Green Party and Lewisham Green Party joined forces to deliver a survey. They spoke to residents, some who reported damp and mould in their flats and lack of remedial action by the council to maintain the estate. One resident was told they were a “low priority”.
Karin said: “In Talk Housing Autumn 2023 magazine the Council say they’ve approved a quarter of a billion pounds for improvements and in Full Council last December, local Green member Fiona Moore asked a question about using some of it to fight damp and mould.
The response given was that there was a new offer with ‘a new team and new resources’. But residents told me more recently that leaking pipes are causing damp, and their requests to resolve these serious issues have been ignored. I have asked the Council for clarification because it’s unacceptable that people with respiratory problems should have to wait so long.”
Greenwich member Anji Petersen was shocked to see loose trailing wires dangling in the hallways, chipped concrete lintels, ceiling leaks and ripped pigeon netting on the balconies.
“The estate is in a great location and has the potential to be a good place to live. But currently, it appears residents are neglected and forgotten. Everyone deserves a safe and attractive place to call home.”
If any Orchard Estate residents would like to get in touch, please email coordinator@greenwich.greenparty.org.uk