• A BALLOT of the residents of Wendling Estate is currently under way.

This is a major democratic exercise with the tenants and leaseholders and will decide the future of the place they call home.

Contrary to some reports this process is the culmination of many years of work between residents and the council, and one that the overwhelming majority of residents have long called for.

Over the past two years we have been working closely with residents to carefully tailor plans for Wendling to give them the fit-for-purpose, modern homes that are desperately needed.

The estate was built in the 1960s and the regeneration, if it goes ahead, will address long-standing issues residents have told us about such as: leaks, blockages, and failing heating systems; overcrowding; and a poor estate layout that fails to deter anti-social behaviour and disconnects the estate from its neighbouring streets.

There continue to be some voices who are disappointed with the actions undertaken so far, including the very act of asking Wendling residents’ views in a democratic ballot.

But the majority of people I have been contacted by, and who I have spoken to while door-knocking, are clear that they want the council to “get on with it”.

They are actually frustrated the process has taken as long as it has. A recent survey held among residents found that 78 per cent were in favour of a complete regeneration.

The council has run a fair, free, and transparent process throughout. There has been an independent resident steering group, local residents have been employed to lead consultations, and the council has continued to hold events that have directly shaped the proposed offer to residents.

We have followed the advice from the Greater London Authority in their good practice guidance on ballots. The ballot itself is also being run independently by Civica, an elections specialist.

Of course, the council has outlined publicly in our cabinet reports and communications that a “yes” vote is our preferred option to achieve what residents have for so many years told us they want. But the final decision is residents’ to make.

So enough from me.

This is the time to hear the views of all estate residents; the ballot will close at 5pm today (Thursday) July 15. To all those on the estate who haven’t yet voted, please vote online, over the phone or using the ballot box.

And “yes” or “no”, the council will respect the outcome and implement the decision. That is a cast-iron guarantee.

CLLR DANNY BEALES
Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities,
Culture & an Inclusive Economy