Fear-stricken families have shared their experience living on a council estate where they claim they are treated “worse than animals.”
Residents have called for Millard Terrace to be closed down by Barking and Dagenham Council and rebuilt from scratch. Locals have said they’re living in nightmare conditions, from cleaning up human waste in stairways everyday to vandals terrorising locals by breaking lifts and doors.
Public areas are littered with drug equipment and suspected drug users have been found to be asleep right outside the homes of residents.
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(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
It has even been reported that children have needed specialist counselling and therapy after being traumatised by what they’ve witnessed. This council estate is made up of a six-storey block, a three-storey block and a deck level and is built above a shopping centre, according to the Daily Mail.
Vandals have also been sighted in the area breaking lifts and doors. One tired local, Bianca Green, said she has lived in the block for fifteen years and describes the living conditions as ‘third-world.’
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
The 31-year-old said: “It is a living hell. It’s a nightmare. You would not treat animals like this, so why families? It’s a disgrace.
“Things have deteriorated in recent years to the point of no return. My daughter has had to have counselling. Drug users constantly abuse us. There’s no other way to our front door than going by them and we just get yelled and screamed at either when they are high or on a come down. We have had five recent attempted break-ins. It’s not safe.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We are sympathetic to the concerns that residents have raised in Millard Terrace. Officers continue to patrol the area in order to reassure communities, tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
“We are speaking with local residents and businesses and continue to work with local authority partners to look at ways of improving security and safety in the area. I urge anyone who is concerned about criminal activity in the area to come forward and talk to the police.’
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Barking and Dagenham Council said: “The Council takes this very seriously and we’re working closely with the police to address residents’ concerns about safety at Millard Terrace, including conducting joint patrols and resident surgeries to engage with the community.
“CCTV coverage across Millard Terrace is also being expanded to improve security and deter criminal activities. Our control room, which monitors the cameras, works proactively with The Met Police, our Community Safety Enforcement Team, our appointed security team, and outreach for homeless or rough sleepers.
“Caretakers are onsite daily to empty bins, clean the stairwells and identify any health and safety concerns. We are also exploring new equipment and services for deep cleaning of the stairwells.
“Further improvements will include redecoration of the stairwells, the launch of a designated online hub specifically for Millard Terrace residents and more community open days where residents and council officers come together to make improvements.”