Islington tenants face six-year scaffolding misery

Residents of Archway Heights tower block in Islington have lived with scaffolding encasing their homes for more than six years. The prolonged presence of the temporary structure, initially installed for remedial cladding works following the Grenfell tragedy, has led to significant disruption, including loss of light, and has been linked to increased security issues and break-ins. Tenants report fears for their safety, with some describing intruders gaining access to communal areas and even approaching private windows.

Security Concerns and Resident Fears

The scaffolding has created a platform for unauthorised access, exacerbating existing security faults within the building. Dwayne Lewis, a resident since 2023, stated that despite the scaffolding predating his move, little work has been done. He described incidents of vandalism, including leaks from damaged skylights, and long-term heating outages. Natasha Dyett reported a frightening incident in July where she awoke to find a man standing outside her bedroom window. "He was watching me while I was lying in my bed. I have never been so scared in my entire life," Ms Dyett told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Residents believe the building is being "managed into decline" despite rising rents.

Landlord's Response and Regulatory Delays

Places for People, the current landlord, stated that work cannot commence until consent is granted by the Building Safety Regulator. The landlord attributes delays to factors beyond its control, describing the challenges as "complex, multi-faceted and will take time to resolve." The previous landlord, Origin Housing Ltd, was downgraded by the Regulator of Social Housing in 2023 for non-compliance. Places for People has provided goodwill payments of £317.50 per property twice a year to residents to recognise the disruption. The housing association expects a decision from the Building Safety Regulator in November, with remediation works estimated to take 12 months.

Resident Campaign and Future Actions

Frustrated by a lack of communication and progress, residents are campaigning with the ACORN renters' union to pressure the landlord. ACORN has organised meetings and protests, demanding repairs and safety investigations. "Our members at Archway Heights have been left in unsafe conditions, have not been receiving services that they are paying for and have been left in the dark, quite literally, on what is actually going to be done to allow them to live dignified lives," an ACORN spokesperson said. The renters' union set a deadline of 15 October for a response to their demands, to which the housing association has since replied. Places for People acknowledged residents' frustration and stated that while some issues are outside their control, "there are other things we could have done differently."