Tom Cooper, chair of the newly elected residents committee, said guards started last week after tenants got organised and sent a letter of demand. (Pictured: Tom with two MSS guards at 150 Inkerman)
“We said we were living in fear and won’t take it anymore,” he said.
“Most of all, we made it clear we won’t back down,” he said, invoking the Tom Petty anthem.
The change is already making a difference, with two guards on site around the clock to deter intruders and help residents feel safe again.
“This is public housing for older people, and without security many of us were living in fear. I call it elder abuse, but now we are elders organised,” he said.
Organising gets results
Residents have been organising since the start of the year to save their homes from proposed demolition. About 60 per cent signed a petition against the plan, and nearly half took part in an in-person vote last month to elect the 44 Flats United residents committee.
One of the committee’s first moves was to demand 24/7 security and pest control in response to worsening conditions in the building.
In the letter, residents described the “grave insecurity” in their building.
“Due to the entirely inadequate security system and an apparent policy of controlled neglect, the sense of security and safety at Inkerman Street has significantly deteriorated in recent years.”
“Several of us have been threatened with violence and stabbing for refusing to let strangers into the building. Unknown people graffiti and vandalise the doors, lifts and community room.”
“Outsiders walk the floors at night, testing door handles for open or unoccupied flats.”
“As an elderly community, many of our neighbours are now afraid to leave their homes at night.”
Residents say the win on security is an important first step, with maintenance and pest problems still to be tackled.
