SOUTHWARK Council denied that it had started eviction proceedings yesterday against tenants of the Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle, south London.
A council spokesman told News Line this was ‘incorrect’.
But a statement from a council spokesperson said: ‘The council issued Notice of seeking possession to the remaining phase 1 residents on 9 and 10 July.
‘This was issued as we were legally obliged to do so and we apologise for any distress this may have caused residents.
‘If the remaining residents have not found alternative accommodation through Homesearch by 11 August, the council will be issuing direct offers to those residents, as and when suitable properties become available.
‘If they refuse these offers, the council can begin legal proceedings. . .
‘Although we will be operating a one offer policy, we may consider cases, where the offer does not meet the current housing needs of remaining residents.’
A timetable was drawn up earlier this year to empty the entire estate – which contains over 1,000 dwellings – by September 2009, under a ‘regeneration’ plan to privatise council housing.
‘Phase one’ of the privatisation plan (Kingshill, Swanbourne and Wansey Street flats) has been earmarked for completion by December this year.
Private contractors have already moved in to seal up the front doors and windows of empty homes with steel boards.
But many tenants have vowed to stand their ground.
‘I’m a leaseholder and I’ve received a letter from the rehousing project to come and meet them tomorrow,’ said Edward Martinson.
‘I’ve lived on the Heygate for more than 30 years. My point of view is the council haven’t given us any choice.
‘What they’ve given us is an option to part rent or part buy, which is beyond most leaseholders’ budgets.’
John Adjara, another Heygate resident, said: ‘I’m appalled by the whole thing.
‘I think the estate can be renovated but they just want to knock it down so they can get rid of working-class people.’
