Lund Point in east London, where 164 homes are currently boarded-up, was once 'a beautiful community', according to long-time resident Tee Fabikun. But the tower block has been plagued by years of broken promises and neglect, leaving just a handful of residents behind. Tee is one of them, determined to stay put despite the uncertainty.
Tee's flat, with its warm decor and familiar belongings, seems like a sanctuary amidst the decay. She's lived here for over 20 years, watching as many of her neighbours left in search of better lives. 'I knew everyone here,' she recalls fondly. 'It was a community. We had our disagreements, but we looked out for each other.'
Yet the redevelopment promised by London's authorities has yet to materialise. Tee is sceptical about the latest plans, which have been touted as a solution to the area's housing woes. 'They keep saying it's going to happen, but it never does,' she says wryly. 'I'm just waiting for them to make good on their promises.'
Tee's neighbours are scattered across the UK, many of them in temporary accommodation or rehoused elsewhere. She remains resolute, refusing to give up on her community. 'This is my home,' she insists. 'I'm not going anywhere.'
As the housing crisis continues to grip the nation, stories like Tee's serve as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that have left countless families struggling to find decent housing.