Your Brent - Spring 2021

HOUSING

A moving experience A year on from one of London’s biggest ever residents’ ballots, we spoke to some South Kilburn families to see how they are settling into their new homes

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was living in one-bed temporary accommodation for eight years with my son,” said Karolina Jurex, who moved in January 2020. “He is now sevenyears old and is autistic. When the council offered me my new home, I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I cried for a week. We moved in a few months ago. It’s brilliant! Our home is beautiful, clean and warm. It’s a dream house and I love it. My son has his own room and is very happy.”

Shaban Sindy also moved in January. He said: “I was living in a two-bedrooom temporary accommodation flat for almost 10 years. I live with my

wife and two kids who are seven years and five years old. We have been living out of boxes for years with the hope to move somewhere more settled.

“When we were offered our new council home, we were so happy. Our prayers were answered. It is still like a dream.

“The kids are very happy, they have their room and they can put their things away.

They didn’t have to move school and be disrupted, I’m so grateful.

“South Kilburn has been my home for a long time. I have friends here, it’s my community.”

RESIDENTS’ BALLOT The council held a residents’ ballot in South Kilburn in autumn 2019 to ask the community whether they still supported the award-winning regeneration of the estate. Local residents overwhelmingly backed the council’s plans to continue rebuilding the neighbourhood with 84% voting yes and 72% of eligible residents taking part in the vote.

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YOUR BRENT | SPRING 2021