Woman lived in derelict housing block when blaze broke out (From Your Local Guardian)
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Woman lived in derelict block in Durand Close, Carshalton, when blaze broke out
6:00am Friday 24th August 2012 in Top Stories By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter
Remaining residents in Durand Close have reported frequent fires, flytipping, flooding and constant pillaging by thieves
A woman was rescued from a derelict block of flats after a fire broke out.
Firefighters from Wallington were called to a blaze at Durand Close at about 1.40am on Saturday, August, 11.
The woman, believed to be in her 50s, was taken to St Helier Hospital by ambulance for smoke inhalation.
Vikki Palmer, 30, who lives nearby, smelled the fire and called the fire brigade.
She said the blocks of flats are under constant attack from teenagers and criminals who think they are empty.
She said: "This block was still occupied by a 58-year-old woman who has been left in shock, feeling unsafe due to the lack of realisation from the council that these blocks are not fit to house people still."
Other remaining residents in Durand Close have reported that there are frequent fires, fly tipping, flooding and constant pillaging by thieves.
Chairman of Durand Close estate residents’ association, Judy McDaid, said: "It’s the kids - it’s just like a giant playground.
"They even scale up the side of the blocks - it’s bad.
"She could have died in there. She shouldn’t have been left there."
One resident who wished to remain anonymous said they were getting people coming in and stealing copper and radiators and fly tipping.
A council spokesperson said: "We’re in the process of replacing twelve old housing blocks with new properties of a much higher standard. Four blocks are still standing and this one should have been empty some time ago.
"One lady chose to defer her move several times, but staff from Sutton Housing Partnership have worked very closely with the last leavers to ensure they settle into their new properties.
"Now the block is vacant, arrangements are being be made to secure it and we’ll also look at putting hoarding around it until it’s demolished and replaced."
The fire investigation unit is looking into the cause of the blaze.
