A successful anti-eviction protest in Leytonstone, east London

A successful anti-eviction protest in Leytonstone, east London   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

At less than a day’s notice, around 20 activists turned out in Leytonstone, east London, to stop an eviction on 17 October. The family, with three children, including a two-week old baby, had been left facing the streets after bad advice and delays by Waltham Forest council and its ‘arms-length management company’ Ascham Homes.

Facing homelessness

Their private landlord had decided to sell and they had been unable to find another private landlord who would accept them because they are unemployed. Despite having applied for council housing and given a month’s warning to the council of what was happening, no action was taken.

They were eventually advised to get their stuff out and then go to the housing office and declare themselves homeless. On this basis there would be no guarantee of not being put into bed and breakfast accommodation or of more than one room for the five of them. We didn’t accept this.

Socialist Party members joined Unite Community activists and others blockading the door of the flat when the bailiff arrived and then occupying Ascham Homes until keys were handed over for a new, suitable home.

Sarah Wrack, Waltham Forest Socialist Party