Regent’s Park estate joins the fight against plans for high-speed rail link

Published: 30 September, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

SINCE plans for a high-speed rail link between Euston and Birmingham were announced in April, communities along the proposed line have been vocal in opposition. But residents of the Regent’s Park estate – whose homes face demolition if the multi-billion-pound scheme goes ahead – have remained audibly silent.

That is until now. Leaseholders and tenants of the four council-owned blocks of Ainsdale, Eskdale, Silverdale and Stalbridge House, which would be flattened to make way for the route, have come together in recent weeks to voice their concerns over the proposed demolition of their homes and large-scale relocation of families.

They have formed the Regent’s Park HS2 Action Group to speak on behalf of the hundreds of residents who are refusing to resign themselves to having their homes  bulldozed.

“We are mobilising to make a bit of noise here, as the impact on this community will be dramatic,”  said Margaret Fletcher, director of the West Euston Partnership, during a walkabout on the estate with concerned residents on Monday.

“It’s a very diverse community and a lot of work has been done to bring people together. There is already a real housing shortage in this area. If they are going to knock down these buildings where are all the council tenants going to be relocated?”

Two concerned residents are home-owners Eira Gibson and Syd Funnell, who bought their first flat in Stalbridge House a year ago. Ms Gibson, who is expecting their first child, said: “I’ve got a baby due any minute so it has been a huge concern. After renting in the area for seven years, we were delighted to be able to buy here. We chose this area to start a family, but one of the things we are worried about is that after compulsory purchase we wouldn’t be able to afford to stay in the borough.”

At the other end of the scale is Francesco Sesia, 55, who has lived in Eskdale since he was born. He said it was “unthinkable” that he and other residents would be forced to leave.

“I’ve lived on this estate my whole life,” said Mr Sesia. “It breaks my heart. An entire community will be destroyed.”

The route being considered by HS2 would see the existing train tracks under Hampstead Road bridge widened. The line would then go straight through the Regent’s Park estate, demolishing an estimated 500 homes. Neighbouring blocks of Cartmel, Coniston, Langdale and Granby House would be blighted by construction and their location next to the high-speed line.

Many leaseholders fear they will be forced to leave Camden if their homes are demolished.  

Elena Martinez moved to the estate 23 years ago with her baby son Jairo who, now aged 25, is a member of the action group. Ms Martinez bought her flat 10 years ago to give her some security and has spent £18,000 renovating it. Her disabled sister lives in Silverdale and relies on her support, but as her sister is a council tenant it is unlikely they would be able to remain neighbours if their blocks are demolished.

“There are so many questions,” she said. “Do we have to start looking for a new place? Will we be properly compensated?”

Luis Sanchez, whose parents bought his flat under Right to Buy, has found himself in a similar situation after 30 years on the estate. He said: “We didn’t buy the lease to make a profit – we bought because we want to live in Camden. I grew up here and never thought I would be in this position.”

A full public consultation on the HS2 proposals is due to be held in the new year.

It’s way out of line! Walker steps up her protest against HS2

A WOMAN who has been walking the length of the proposed High Speed Two (HS2) rail route passed through Primrose Hill yesterday (Wednesday).

Protester Lizzy Williams, 36, stopped to meet the New Journal in Chalcot Square on her way to Euston station. 

Ms Williams, from Banbury, who was left with weakness to the left side of her body following a car accident two years ago, has walked from Lichfield in Staffordshire. The journey took her 23 days.

She said: “It has been a shock coming into Greater London that people living on the route don’t even know they will lose their homes.”