Ten weeks to save homes

Residents on West Hendon estate in Barnet have just 10 weeks until Barnet Council kicks them out.

The council has given the estate to Barrett Homes along with millions of pounds to demolish the council homes and build tower blocks of private housing.

A number of residents who have bought their homes from the council are now being told that the council will only pay them half of what they’re worth.

“We’re giving up a complete property to now only own half a property,” said one resident. “This public land has been confiscated.”
The residents say they have been conned from the very beginning. “Before this even went to final planning it had already been signed off in Boris’ office,” residents added.

Council money is being used to build private homes.

Scandalous

“What is happening in West Hendon is scandalous,” said Steve Turner, Unite assistant general secretary.

“The council are actively social cleansing the area and pushing vulnerable families into non-secure tenancies.”

Some of the tenants will be rehoused in temporary accommodation in the middle of a building site.

“What is happening across London and the rest of the Country is disgraceful. Families are being forced out by councils,” said Pilgrim Tucker, Unite community coordinator.

Unite has been working with families across London facing eviction from their council properties – including The New Era residents.

“We have a day of action planned at West Hendon on Thursday January 22. We want to send a strong message to Barnet council that what they’re doing is morally wrong on every level.”

The New Era residents recently won their campaign and had their estate sold on to a social landlord.

“We know from what happened at New Era that people can take on the council’s and the private landlords and win,” added Pilgrim.

‘We must shine a light on West Hendon and show Londoners that the fight isn’t over. We are taking it to the next estate and we will continue to take it to every estate facing social cleansing.’

Support our West Hendon.

Join their afternoon of housing activism Thursday January 22. West Hendon Community Centre Marsh Drive NW9 from 2pm.

Sign the petition.

See what Russell Brand says about the campaign.

Join our West Hendon’s Facebook page.