Olive Mount Redevelopment:

OLIVE MOUNT HEIGHTS -
TENANTS' OPINIONS
(Appendix to the Save Olive Mount Heights
Campaign's Objection Letter)

[These are collected from interviews conducted in late 2001 and from questionnaires dated 20 January 2002. My respondents told me that their views had never been canvassed in this way by LHAT. Intensive social research of this kind would have produced an accurate understanding of living in high-rise buildings.]

Living in the Heights

I have lived here for 28 years. I am approaching eighty. It is lovely. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Everybody who comes up loves the view. They stand on the verandah. I've had no quarrel with any of my neighbours. They've all been lovely.

I'm dedicated to staying here. I've been here altogether for 38 years. People who moved here were choosing the flats as a good home. They weren't giddy or afraid of the lifts. There have been two suicides in my 38 years, both external people. I have the best of the two beautiful views. One way is continuous social contact and I see children and movement. This is important when you are older and single. Some people don't visit a lot. The sociability factor is amply rewarded.

It's been an escape into paradise for six years. Now I'm told I've got to be put out. I am losing the view and all that entails ... To finish your life on the ground level and realise all that you've lost ... I'm like an eagle looking out at my view. Removal and change are not wanted by most older people. They don't want to be changed. They had an awful job getting all my things in, with all my gadgets. If the offer is for smaller accommodation I don't know what I will do and this causes worry.

Burglary would be the first problem. Here there is no access except by the front door and then they've got to get your things away. You're a hundred percent sure that you're not going to get burgled.

Neighbours are fine - no complaints. There was only one minor incident - squatters.

We moved here in 1968. It's safe. We've always felt secure in the property. You would go on holiday and not worry. Being sheltered it's more secure. We can look on TV and see who's at the entrance. We've had lovely neighbours. We've never had a cross word with a neighbour.

I moved here in 1963. I've enjoyed every minute of it. I like it being out of the way where it is. I don't think I'd like to live on the ground again. I haven't had any bad neighbours here. Everybody seems to help everybody else. The view is good.

I have been a council tenant for a long time and moved here from Edge Lane Drive 14 years ago. There was then a six-month waiting list for OMH which was the flagship of the high-rise blocks. I have been happy here ever since. Its quiet here, good society.

I am secure here more than I would be on the streets.

You can operate as a community here. The entrance is a little community centre in itself. You've got friends. I've got G. and H. next door.

I am safe here. I do not wish to leave my home, and my friends. Please inspect my "home." I like other tenants - feel safe and protected.

continued . . .

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