Demolition of trouble-torn Bemerton estate remains an option

Published: 11 March, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

PLANS for the redevelopment of the trouble-torn Bemerton estate took a step forward this week as residents attended crucial meetings to find out how it will effect them.

Executive member for housing Councillor James Murray emphasised that no decision had been made about demolition and rebuilding, despite claims made in this paper last week by housing campaigner Dr Brian Potter.

Cllr Murray also maintained that in the event of rebuilding there are no plans to move tenants out of the borough, adding: “Any work  would be gradual, with as little upheaval as possible for residents.” 

A public consultation offered tenants and leaseholders three options:

• leave the estate as it is and improve the open spaces;
• demolish and rebuild selected parts of the estate;
• or demolish the estate completely, in stages, and rebuild it to a better design.

A small majority 58 per cent were in favour of demolition but the consultation continued on Tuesday and Wednesday with drop in sessions, where council officers explained what each option would entail.

Cllr Murray said: “This is still very early stages in the consultation process. We are not in favour of any option as yet because we are still seeking the opinion of residents.”

Executive member of regeneration councillor Paul Convery, whose Caledonian ward covers the Bemerton estate, said: “We want to make the Bemerton safer for children, remove areas where anti-social behaviour takes place and generally brighten the place up.” 

Speculation by Dr Potter that leaseholders might eventually be priced out of the estate were denied by Cllr Convery. 

He added: “We don’t want people who have lived here all their lives feeling that they can’t afford to buy back in when the estate is complete.”

In other developments, Islington police have joined forces with Islington Council to ban violent, drug-taking youths congregating on the estate.

The three month dispersal order started at on February 17 and will continue until May 17 – covering Easter, the Royal Wedding and the early May bank holiday.

It follows resident complaints about groups of up to 30 youths – none of whom are believed to live on the Bemerton estate – causing criminal damage to property and vehicles on the estate.

The Caledonian Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) requested the dispersal order following overwhelming support from councillors and Safer Neighbourhood Steering Panel.

Police officers visiting the estate were subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse, intimidation and even missiles thrown by masked and hooded youths.

Sergeant Mike Atkinson, from Caledonian SNT said: “The residents of the Bemerton Estate have been suffering from youth disorder and I hope that this power will reduce anti-social behaviour considerably. We will continue to work closely with local residents and Islington Council to reduce this problem.”