Residents forced out of newbuild seek more support

Residents of The Fold, a Croydon apartment complex, demand council support for compensation after being ordered to vacate due to severe water damage and fire safety concerns. The building, completed in 2022, has faced ongoing issues, resulting in a drastic reduction in occupancy to just 30%. Legal & General, the owner, has apologized and offered compensation, including four months' rent and an extra £1,000 per apartment for relocation costs. Resident Reuben Cox voiced his concerns about conflicting safety messages from L&G, highlighting the confusion over whether it was safe to stay. The tenants' union ACORN has called for Croydon Council to clarify its role and enhance support for residents seeking fair compensation.

While council officials pledged to engage with residents, they emphasized their limited management responsibilities regarding the building, which is primarily overseen by L&G. The council's involvement began only after safety concerns were raised, with the London Fire Brigade leading the inspections. As remediation work is planned, residents are anxious about the timeline and the adequacy of the support offered.