We, the tenants of Bancroft Gardens, have been living in cold, damp homes for years — some of us for decades. 

This row of terraced council houses in Harrow could be a very pleasant place to live, if only the properties were properly insulated. 

As it is, our homes are not fit for human habitation. Freezing cold in the winter, baking hot in the summer, we are regularly exposed to extremes of temperature that affect our quality of life and our physical and mental health.

Harrow Council has previously promised us that it will insulate our homes and make them decent places to live. But words have not been followed by action. No timeframe or schedule of works has been provided to us, and we continue to live with uncertainty. 

We deserve better than this — as council tenants and as human beings. 

We demand an urgent meeting with Councillor Mina Parmar (Portfolio Holder for Housing, Harrow Council) and senior council officers to agree a definite plan for the retrofitting of our homes. 

This plan should include:

• Insulating roofs and making homes watertight
• Insulating and rendering external walls
• Making homes airtight - no more draughty windows and doors.

 

Plans of works should be clearly and consistently communicated to residents.

Our demands are not extravagant; we only want Harrow Council to deliver on its promises and to house us in decent, liveable conditions.

If you believe everyone has the right to a warm, dry home, SIGN TODAY to tell Harrow Council it's time for action.