Uncertainty Looms Over Knights Estate Residents in Basildon: An Inside Look at Siporex Housing Concerns

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In the sprawling landscape of modern cities, amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lie pockets of communities often overlooked and neglected. One such enclave is the Knights Estate, Basildon, a place where Angelica Malone has called home since 2010. But what began as another ordinary day in her council tenancy took a sharp turn last September when an unexpected message landed in her Facebook inbox from an ITV researcher.

The message wasn't about a new reality show or a local event. Instead, it brought to light a matter of grave concern—the safety of the Siporex in buildings on her estate. For years, the estate had been relatively quiet, save for the closure of a nearby surgery due to structural concerns. The ominous crack running down its side served as a constant reminder of potential danger lurking in the background.

A huge crack is visible on the front of a former doctor's surgery.

However, the revelation of potential structural issues struck a nerve among the residents, including Malone. Living in close proximity to the troubled building, their concerns quickly escalated. What if their homes were unsafe too? What would happen to them if the worst-case scenario unfolded?

Malone's status as a council tenant provided some semblance of relief from the financial burden that homeowners would face in such a situation. Yet, the spectre of uncertainty loomed large over the already economically deprived community. Most residents, including Malone, lived paycheck to paycheck, making an unexpected move a daunting prospect fraught with financial peril.

In the days following the ITV researcher's message, reporters and surveyors descended upon the estate, conducting assessments and investigations. The council, too, sprang into action, initiating surveys to gauge the stability of the buildings. Intrusive examinations delved into the very structure of the cement ceilings, searching for reassurance amidst the uncertainty.

Despite the flurry of activity, answers remained elusive. Speculation swirled, whispers of impending redevelopment adding to the residents' unease. Malone, no stranger to adversity, maintained a pragmatic outlook, her frustration evident in her text messages. Amidst the chaos, one beacon of hope emerged—Alison, their council contact, whose empathy and support provided a glimmer of solace in turbulent times.

As the days turned into weeks, a handful of families found themselves uprooted from their homes, transferred to unknown destinations. Yet, for the majority, including Malone and her neighbors, the waiting game continued. With no concrete updates forthcoming, uncertainty became their constant companion.

For Malone, the situation weighed heavily on her shoulders, especially when it came to reassuring her daughter. The fear of the unknown cast a shadow over their daily lives, making each passing day a test of resilience.

"We have received no formal letters regarding the situation," Angelica expressed.

"We don't know what lies ahead for us," 

"I can't afford to have my kids' schools (both primary and secondary) uprooted, nor can I risk losing my job," Angelica emphasized.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty and apprehension, a collective resolve emerged among Malone and her neighbors. They refused to be marginalized or overlooked, adamant that the council's responsibility extended beyond mere housing. Their voices, once drowned out by neglect, grew louder, demanding accountability and action.

"My main fear is upheaval and instability, or being at the mercy of the council's decisions. I want to move house once, not several times," Angelica emphasized.

As the uncertainty surrounding the structural integrity of the Knights Estate continues to loom large, the voices of its residents grow louder, each one painting a poignant picture of fear, frustration, and resilience. Among them is Teagan, the daughter of Angelica Malone, whose poignant words offer a glimpse into the emotional turmoil experienced by those caught in the throes of housing insecurity.

Teagan's story is one of resilience tinged with despair, her aspirations dimmed by the shadows of uncertainty. A diligent student in year 12, her academic prowess once shone brightly, with A's and A-stars adorning her A-level grades. Yet, in the wake of the housing crisis gripping her community, her once-illuminated path has dimmed, her grades slipping to B's as the weight of uncertainty bears down upon her. Teagan lamented her current situation:

"I'm finding it hard to focus on studying; the stress is overwhelming. The uncertainty of not knowing where I'll be living is incredibly demotivating. There are times when I feel like giving up on my studies altogether."

The challenges extend beyond academics, permeating every aspect of Teagan's life. With no clarity on their future residence, the prospect of uprooting her family—two younger siblings included—from the familiar confines of their community casts a dark shadow over her aspirations. The logistics of relocation, compounded by the intricacies of managing multiple school transitions and commuting to work, threaten to derail the very foundation of stability upon which their lives were built.

Teagan's distress is palpable as she navigates the labyrinth of uncertainty, her once-stable home now teetering on the brink of upheaval. The revelation of asbestos lurking beneath the floors adds another layer of fear, the spectre of danger looming large over their heads. She said:

"Despite the looming threat of our building's collapse, we have yet to receive any offers of alternative housing. The situation is terrifying, especially considering the actions taken by Morgan Sindall, the contractor responsible for the council's properties. They deemed the situation so perilous for one local family that they had to resort to suspending their ceiling with Acroprops. This emergency measure forced the family into temporary accommodation, located on the other side of town. The upheaval was immense, compounded by the additional financial burden of covering the costs of relocating items such as their dishwasher and oven."

Condemned buildings are now boarded with metal.

"Even more alarming is the fact that two buildings have already been condemned, and the council has not boarded them up with the usual wooden boards but with large sheets of metal. This suggests to me that the buildings are unsafe. Additionally, we have now been told that there is asbestos in the floor, further adding to the sense of danger."

In the absence of clear communication from the authorities, Teagan takes matters into her own hands, penning a heartfelt letter to her MP, John Bowen. It is a plea born out of desperation, a cry for help amidst the deafening silence that envelops her community. The response, while providing some semblance of reassurance, offers little in terms of concrete solutions, leaving Teagan and her family adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

"I wrote to my MP, John Bowen, after receiving no communication from Basildon Council. This was following an approach by ITV. Subsequently, they replied, stating that the entire house was made of Siporex and families would be moved out."

"The council has done little to support us; this situation has now lasted 7 months, and we still have no information at all. I am angry with the council because they have a track record for performing poorly."

The emotional toll is not lost on Teagan as she reflects on a decade spent nurturing their humble abode, transforming it into a place they proudly call home. The prospect of leaving behind cherished memories, uprooting beloved pets, and facing the daunting prospect of temporary accommodation weighs heavily on her heart.

We've lived here for over ten years," Teagan explained. "We had carpet fitted, repainted, and papered our walls, pouring our hearts into making this place a true home. Worse still, we have pets, and the thought of moving them fills us with dread. We don't want to be placed in temporary accommodation, and knowing that our estate is slated for demolition is utterly heartbreaking."

For Teagan and her family, the looming spectre of displacement is not merely a logistical challenge—it is a soul-crushing ordeal that threatens to unravel the very fabric of their lives. As they grapple with the uncertainty of what lies ahead, one thing remains certain—their unwavering resolve to weather the storm together, clinging to the hope that amidst the chaos, a glimmer of light will emerge, illuminating the path to a brighter tomorrow.

In the face of adversity, the residents of Knights Estate found strength in solidarity, refusing to accept a fate dictated by circumstance. As they navigate the murky waters of uncertainty, one thing remains certain—their unwavering determination to forge a better future, one cement shoebox at a time.

Residents affected by RAAC in Basildon are now rallying behind Hannah Chowdhry's petition for the establishment of a national fund to aid RAAC-affected communities across the UK. Your support can make a difference. Join us by signing our petition (here). Let's stand together to ensure that those impacted by RAAC receive the assistance they desperately need.