Moorlands residents win campaign for street lights

Residents on Moorlands Estate in Loughborough Junction celebrated after a pledge was made to fix their street lights by Christmas. The commitment to fix the lighting came after Jackie Andrews, regional Head of Housing Services from Metropolitan housing association, visited the estate to hear the concerns of residents. After meeting residents and being given a tour of the estate, Jackie Andrews promised that the street lights would be fixed within four weeks.

Resident and member of Moorlands Action Team Kathleen McCann said:

“For years we’ve had street lighting problems. Every resident has stories about being intimidated having to walk through dark areas of our estate: whether it’s teenage girls coming home from school in winter or elderly people who can’t see where they’re going. We’re delighted that now we can work together with Metropolitan to fix this issue. We are especially grateful to Jackie Andrews for taking our concerns seriously and doing something about it."

Jackie Andrews, along with Housing Services Manager Jacques Buffet, were invited to the estate by community leaders from the Moorlands Action Team. The residents group was formed with the support of Lambeth Citizens, part of national community organising charity, Citizens UK. The group is working with faith communities and schools to improve the local neighbourhood.

After months of listening to concerns across the estate, residents from the Moorlands Action Team chose street lighting as their key issue.

They decided to invite Jackie Andrews to the estate to hear their concerns. The invitation was delivered in person to the Metropolitan headquarters in Stockwell by a delegation of residents along with a petition, photographs of dark areas of the estate, and a candle to symbolise the need for light.

Resident and member of Moorlands Action Team Michelle Janvier said:

“Before we were suffering in silence but by working with Lambeth Citizens we have made the estate safer for all of us. We look forward to Metropolitan’s promise of a brighter and safer estate being made a reality - we've already seen some lights coming on!”

Jackie Andrews, Head of Housing Services (London South) for Metropolitan said:

“My role is to ensure that our estates are as good as they can. It’s great to be able to work in partnership with dedicated and passionate residents to make this happen.”