A Merton estate became the centre of a heated debate earlier this month after five residents appeared at a magistrates' court on unconnected charges in just seven days and the Wimbledon Guardian asked: 'Is this the borough's most crime-ridden estate?'

After a flood of letters and emails from residents expressing different opinions about Sadler Close in Mitcham, we visited the estate to ask residents what it's like to live there.

From a Nazi prison camp to a safe-haven for young families, people have mixed views of the 1970's redbrick post-industrial estate next to the town centre.

March 2: Is this Merton's most crime-ridden estate?

Wimbledon Times:

David Lynch, 43, said: "It's like Colditz, the [Nazi prisoner of war] prison. It's not a nice place to live. There's a big drug problem on the estate and gang culture.

"I have lived here since I was 15. It's really gone down hill. In the 80s it was a nice, like a palace. Last year there was a stabbing. I sometimes feel too scared to go out."

Merton Police said they were not aware of any "particular problems" on the estate.

And most residents did not report concerns to the newspaper about violent crime.

Wimbledon Times:

Jane Michaels, 49, a kitchen manager who lives on the estate with her daughter Kira, said: "I have lived here for 20 years. It used to be quite rough but now it's not too bad.

"There used to be two gangs of boys who used to fight on the estate - TZ [Terror Zone] and a rival gang. They used to hang out in McDonald's and come and fight here, but since McDonald's closed they've gone.

"The kids play out together and have grown up together."

Wimbledon Times:

Artist and father Terrence Adegbenle agreed it was generally a safe place to live. He said: "I have been living here since 1998 and there have been some issues but all in all the people who live here are nice and friendly.

"You don't have the issues you get on some estates. My children go out in the play area by themselves and they are only 10 and seven so if they are able to do that it can't be that bad."

Wimbledon Times:

Mum Katie Quickenden, 22, said: "Obviously it looks a mess but I think it's alright. The council help a lot. I don't get trouble."

Wimbledon Times:

Dilan Hassan, an ice delivery man who recently moved to the estate with his wife and baby, said: "To be honest they spend a lot of money on the estates. I think it's better just to demolish it. It's a very old building, with lots of mice."

Wimbledon Times:

Lanthily Ganesalaie, 48, who works at KFC in Croydon and has lived on the estate for eight years, said: "I'm very happy. Sometimes there is crime. Sometimes the door breaks and it is not safe."

A 57-year-old woman, who brought up her two sons on the estate, said: "No-one bothers me, I just go in my front door and mind my own business. I don't think it's any worse than one of the other estates in my area.

"I think what people have to realise is that a lot of things that go on here are not anything to do with the people who live here. It seems to be a hang out for other people.

"A lot of people have used it as an escape from the police. So long as no-one bothers me I'm happy. Maybe it could do with a lick of paint but it's definitely not the worst estate."

Wimbledon Times:

A 44-year-old man, who has lived on the estate for three years and does not want to be named, said: "It's a lot better than it used to be. It's like a second police station this estate.

"We used to have anti-social behaviour and problems with drugs. Apart from that I can't fault the estate."

Got an opinion? Comment below or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.