Scaffolding was first locked onto properties in Colebrooke Rowe in Angel, Islington, back in 2018 when housing association Peabody announced plans to replace the block’s windows.
People living there assumed it would be a quick job – but seven years on, the wooden planks and metal poles are still there.
Anna Hollister, 68, who has lived in her home for most of her life, said the situation is “a living nightmare” – and is causing her mental health to deteriorate.
Anna Hollister said the situation is a living nightmare – and is causing her mental health to deteriorate. (Image: Anna Hollister / SWNS)
Ms Hollister said: “I know there are people that are much worse off than we are – but it’s ridiculous, to have scaffolding outside our homes for this long.
“It’s causing safety and security issues – with people climbing up onto the scaffolding and trying to get in through the windows.
“And I am living in constant darkness unless I have the lights on all day and all night.
“It really is affecting my mental health.”
Ms Hollister believes Peabody are taking so long to do the work as they are hoping everyone will move out.
She said: “The amount of money they’ve spent on scaffolding over these years – they could have done the work three times over.”
Ms Hollister says she has also faced problems inside her flat as a result of the scaffolding – with contractors leaving a three-foot hole in her ceiling after carrying out work.
She said: “Back in October 2023, contractors came into my home and wanted to access the balcony above.
“So they made a hole in my living room ceiling – it’s around three foot.
“After that, I assumed the work was going to be imminent – but it still hasn’t happened.
“And I’ve still got a hole in my ceiling. They covered it with plastic sheeting – but it’s still there.”
Neighbour Abdul Salah voiced concerns about safety due to the scaffolding – and said it means he “can see nothing” from his home.
He told the Islington Tribune: “We can’t see downstairs. We can’t see the cars. We can see nothing.
“People are walking up the scaffolding. The police have been here three times.
“Someone climbed up and tried to break the windows in my neighbour’s flat while she was sleeping at 8am. It’s not safe.”
Mr Salah, who has lived in his flat for 22 years, said that despite the scaffolding, Peabody continues to increase the rent.
Peabody said the scaffolding was initially put up to repair the balcony and the windows – but that the work has “taken longer than they would have liked”.
They also apologised to the residents for the delay.
A spokesperson said: “We sympathise with residents and share their frustrations over the length of time the scaffolding has been up.
“Our aim has always been to make the repairs as soon as possible but it has not been straightforward.
“The building is Grade II-listed and sits within a conservation area, meaning any changes must be made in conjunction with English Heritage and with planning permission from the council.
“The work also requires the agreement of everyone who owns a home in the building.
“This has all taken longer than we would have liked and we’re very sorry.
“We’re aiming to do the work as soon as possible.
“Meanwhile, we’ll continue to consult with residents and are keen to resolve any outstanding issues they may have.”
