FURIOUS residents living inside an iconic old stadium say they’re devastated at being forced out of their homes.
Walthamstow Stadium in London – once a popular greyhound track loved by celebrities including Brad Pitt and David Beckham – was converted into dozens of flats after it closed in 2008.
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However the buildings are in desperate need of repairs, and residents have to leave their homes for the work to be done.
People living there say they’re fed up with construction noise and at having to leave while the repairs are carried out.
A young mum, who didn’t want to be named, said: “They provided the respite flats but they should have said ‘if you need to stay here, you can stay here’, do you know what I mean?”
“It’s not thoughtful of them at all, especially with children. We have three babies in the house and it’s not easy.
“I think the developers should just own up to what they’ve done and do a bit more for the residents to put them at ease… like tell us where you’ve gone wrong.”
The woman has been offered a respite flat by L&Q to use each day while the works are taking place.
Chair of a local residents’ organisation Gail Penfolds said the mishaps from social housing giant L&Q had plagued the area for almost a decade.
“If this had been a decent build in the first place, this would not be happening, residents would be allowed to live in their homes and actually enjoy the area. And not put up with noise disruption,” she said.
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“The worst thing is the residents in Goodwood (cleared out building) who have had to be moved out.
“They made their homes there. A lot of them are part of the community and all of them have a story. I understand they’ve been given the option to move back when everything is finished, whether they take that is obviously their choice.”
Some residents of the Goodwood apartment block at the complex have been temporarily moved out while repairs take place.
However others said they were given no fault eviction notices by L&Q – even though they had nowhere else to go.
L&Q announced in June 2022 that they would spend at least £10million fixing the problems, with work beginning later that year.
Executive Group Director of Development and Sales at L&Q Vicky Savage said it’s committed to “putting things right” for residents.
“We are sorry for the disruption experienced by residents at Walthamstow Stadium,” she said.
“After identifying issues dating back to the construction of the scheme, we have committed to putting things right.
“We have since started a programme of works, including essential building safety improvements, which will bring this development up to the high standards residents deserve.
“Unfortunately, due to the extent of the works involved, it will be necessary for many residents to leave their homes for a temporary period.
“We took the very difficult decision to move a number of privately renting residents living in one block into homes nearby for the duration of the works.
“We will be using these apartments to rehouse other residents while we work in their homes.
“We have committed to covering the full costs of works, and are compensating residents for the inconvenience. We also have a team based permanently at the development who are keeping residents updated and providing support to them.”
Some residents said they were told the works will continue until at least 2026.
LIFE IN A STADIUM
Mrs Penfolds said the once star-studded spot had been going downhill since the racetrack closed.
“Walthamstow Stadium is still an iconic venue that people still visit, even for a photo opportunity,” she said.
“People living in the local area want to feel safe, respected and be able to enjoy their homes and their environment without disruption and stress. The stress this has caused to so many people.
“I just wish management at L&Q had listened to us when the original build was going ahead.
“I’ve heard lots of people don’t allow their children to play outside. Would you? With all the construction material everywhere.”
Another resident said community spirit was the only thing keeping her from abandoning her home.
“Right now it’s too noisy and we can’t sleep in the morning… there’s too much banging noises but you know we cannot leave this property because of my neighbourhood,” she said.
Before becoming a football superstar, a young David Beckham’s first job was at Walthamstow Stadium.
He said he was sad to see it go when it closed 15 years ago.
“I always remember my time working at Walthamstow dogs, it was my first ever job and I was so happy to be getting a wage,” he said at the time.
Brad Pitt visited the venue with regular Vinnie Jones in 2000 while promoting a movie.
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