Kingsmead residents demand improvements from Sanctuary Housing

Earlier this month over 100 residents from Kingsmead came together to demand that Sanctuary Housing tackle long term problems of damp, blocked drains, unfinished repairs and a lack of investment on their estate.

On Wednesday 3 December, together with their local councillors, they met with Simon Clark, the Managing Director of Sanctuary Housing, and his team to outline their concerns.

Having heard residents’ concerns, Sanctuary Housing committed to working with residents to improve life on the estate. 

They promised: 

• A dedicated repairs team for Kingsmead, based in the Kingsmead Estate Office. Residents will be able to discuss the nature and progress of repairs with staff in the office and there will be a twice weekly surgery to discuss progress with the team's supervisor.
• A Hackney based maintenance team, carrying out a programme of painting and renovation on the estate. 
• An estate survey to establish the extent of issues like damp, flooding, drainage and identify the priorities for improvement. 
• Work to tackle anti-social behaviour.
• Improved communication with residents. 

Simon Clark promised to meet with residents again in three months to hear feedback and reports of progress. We'll let residents know as soon as there is a date for this meeting. 

Following the meeting Cllr Rahilly, said:

“It’s great to see so many residents with such passion for improving their estate. Kingsmead residents deserve a better deal from Sanctuary Housing, who I think had their eyes opened by this meeting. It was good to see residents listened to and I know residents will work together to hold Sanctuary to their promises.”

Local resident Patti Bee said:

“This has pulled our community together.  We’ve heard horrific stories of people living with damp that affects their children’s health, of repairs that are left unfinished for years and anti-social behaviour ignored. This is the worst it’s been for years and has to be put right. We’re looking forward to working with Sanctuary to change this situation.”

Residents are planning to set up a committee to work with Sanctuary and oversee a programme of work to improve the estate. We're looking for a representative from each block of flats on the Kingsmead Estate. If you want to get involved, get in touch - kingspark@hackney-labour.org.uk