Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Acton residents say years of neglect and poor maintenance by Peabody have left their flats unsafe, raising serious safety concerns in Ealing.
Although the organization maintains that the apartments are safe, they accuse Peabody of neglecting to solve major safety issues, such as massive wall fractures, creeping mold, and windows that don’t close.
Families, the elderly, and persons with special needs live in the all-one-bedroom apartments that make up the Hanger View Way complex off Hanger Vale Lane, close to the North Ealing Underground station.
Apartments are a combination of leasehold and social housing; some are occupied by their owners, while others are rented out by private landlords.
The social rent that residents pay to Peabody is approximately £150 per week, whereas private renters pay approximately £1,200 per month. Leaseholders who own their homes and pay a £200 monthly service charge claim that the condition of the building has prevented them from selling.
The block, which is almost 45 years old, was owned by a number of housing associations, notably the Griffin Group, before Peabody acquired it in 2022 through a merger with Catalyst. Locals claim that long-standing issues have not been remedied as a result of this shifting management.
They claim that common doors and windows are not completely secure, and that mold and moisture are getting people sick. They claim that mental health is suffering as a result of uncertainty regarding the building’s structural stability.
The Hanger View Way Residents Association, representing the flats 31–66, said in a statement:
“Our block of flats is subsiding, our walls are cracking, ceilings leak water and building footers are exposed, we are frightened for our safety, Peabody are not. We have no confidence in Peabody as they don’t seem to care about us.”
They added:
“Peabody has failed to act responsibly and transparently about the current structural safety of the building, despite specialist firms commissioned to do detailed structural investigations. When we have asked Peabody for copies of the specialist reports, they refuse to cooperate and share them with us – thus showing no duty of care.
This approach has left us in the ‘dark’, making us feel vulnerable and anxious about the lack of detailed information and whether our homes are safe. This has begun to take its toll on our mental health and emotional wellbeing and no one is enjoying their home, living conditions and environment.”
Ealing Liberal Democrats Councillor Jon Ball, spokesperson for housing told EALING.NEWS of his concerns. He said:
“It is shocking that residents are exposed to these appalling living conditions and have been neglected by both their social landlord and Ealing council alike. This is at a time when there is hardly any new social housing being built and yet demand for housing is high. It is outrageous to see that social landlords seem to be ignoring their duties to their tenants.”
Some inhabitants of Hanger View Way feel socially isolated due to mold and wall cracks, as well as windows that don’t close all the way. As a result, many say they are too ashamed to bring friends or family to visit.
According to the residents’ association, Peabody has carried out only “cosmetic fixes” to cracks which reappear within weeks. A recent leak in the communal hallway has continued for more than a month, leaving ceilings dripping and mold spreading.
One resident said:
“No one from Peabody has visited us, which only adds to our sense of being ignored. We don’t understand why Peabody is failing in its duty of care to us.”
Independent specialists have told residents there are serious safety concerns with the block. The association added:
“We are living with a ticking time bomb that a disaster will occur at any moment and the building will collapse on top of us or explode owing to exposed gas pipes.”
Peabody said the Hanger View Way homes remain safe. Speaking to Ealing News, a spokesperson added:
“We understand these concerns and want to reassure residents that their homes are safe to live in.
We’ve identified subsidence, likely caused by a nearby oak tree, and we’re carrying out more checks to get the information we need to apply to the council for permission to remove the tree. We’ll then be completing further repairs.
We’re also investigating reports of leaks in the building and will make any necessary repairs as quickly as possible. We’ll be writing to residents shortly with an update.”
What changes did Peabody promise after the maladministration rulings?
Establishment of a centralized complaints team to enable more timely action and clearer communication with residents.
New local repairs services have been implemented and residents have the opportunity to be more influential and involved in ensuring that their needs are dealt with. For example, with regards to repairs became more open and they would provide regular updates on the progress they were making to address repairs and safety issues.
£50 million to be invested specifically on building safety improvements and essential maintenance across its housing stock to address long standing safety issues. To take a greater focus on reducing repair times and ensuring customer service, to regain residents’ trust and ensure that residents are safe in their homes.
They promise to improve accountability in the organization to ensure oversight and follow through on resident complaints and maintenance work.