A TENANT'S VIEW - The redevelopment can't come soon enough

Rachel Defoe, Lionel House resident representative, has lived on Wornington Green for over 30 years. Her comments to Roof magazine reflect the views expressed by many of our tenants. Putting a case in favour of the regeneration in Roof magazine, Rachel drew attention to some of the structural defects inherent in the Estate - problems to which the only solution is full regeneration.

"We're crying out for safe homes. I've lived this nightmare for long enough and the regeneration cannot come fast enough for me... these are serious structural problems with the materials and original workmanship. The tenant below my property has two young kids and bricks are coming out of her wall, and the lift breaks whenever it rains."

Rachel speaks for many when she says the refurbishment won't solve these problems.

" People who say it [refurbishment] will be enough are in a minority and need to understand what we are going through... the walls move when you touch them. It's going to be a requirement to wear hard hats in our homes soon."

"About 80% of tenants live in block housing. If I was one of the 20% in the town houses with garden space then I'd probably say no to the plans. But they are in a minority - gardens are not the priority, safe homes are."

Why regenerate?

We have a duty to improve Wornington Green and the quality of life for our residents and members of the wider community. The full regeneration is the only way to tackle some of the following long-term issues on Wornington Green.

Overcrowding

Wornington Green was built in the late 1960s and 1970s and was not designed to house as many residents as it does today. Our projections show that overcrowding is estimated to increase to levels between 30-50% in some of the blocks on Wornington Green by 2010. Through full regeneration, the right-sized homes will be provided to meet residents' needs.

Layout

The poor layout of Wornington Green can lead to fear of crime and encourage anti-social behaviour, while the current housing stock does not cater for the needs of many residents - especially those who are elderly or have mobility problems. The new Wornington Green would be designed to the Police's Secure by Design Standards which will feature safe routes around Wornington Green and design out any shady and dark corners which can encourage a fear of crime.

Design and building fabric

We estimate that between 30-40% of repairs completed each year on Wornington Green are needed because of its poor design and construction. The regenerated Wornington Green will provide high-quality new homes, built to Lifetime Homes Standards.

Community facilities

The proposed regeneration of Wornington Green provides an opportunity to improve and develop local facilities for use by residents and the wider community. We have been delighted by the feedback from you at our consultation events on community facilities, and agree that park and community areas should be better connected and designed. Your ideas will be used in developing the emerging masterplan propsals for Wornington Green.