What a wonder is Walpole. From a distance, Walpole Place looks like many other post-war council-built blocks of flats. But, look beyond first impressions and you soon discover it is a little oasis in the heart of Woolwich - and shows what tenants, leaseholders and communities coming together can do. Your local Labour team were out meeting the people of Walpole a week last Saturday and of course, it has its challenges and many people are struggling to find a job, and those in work to make ends meet. But what Walpole has is community - and pride. Back in the 1990s, the pioneering Labour council led by Len Duvall, established Walpole as an Estate Management Board (EMB) where the council retain the ownership and carry out major repairs, but everything else is run by the tenants with a delegated budget out of the rents they pay. And, obviously with a few twists and turns, it has gone from strength to strength.
There is great security and a concierge, people feel safe. The entrance is welcoming, not any graffiti or litter in sight but pictures of past events and celebrations. The front garden is tidy and colourful, easy on the eye. Then there is an array of activities for all ages and communities, helping people earn English, or celebrate Tibetan culture the morning we were there, or gardening and much else. This helps the finances and brings people together. And at the back is the real discovery, a tremendous garden, play and activity area, peace wall and a wooded wilderness area - all in the centre of Woolwich where the children and families of Walpole can play and relax safely to their heart's content - all created the imagination, determination, creativity and fundraising of the Walpole residents and their EMB. They also mange the minor repairs, caretaking (excellent) and grounds maintenance as well as security. The benefits are significant - a sense of pride and community, tenants feeling they are in charge all meaning much lower crime, lower rent arrears, little if any vandalism, fewer people moving out and thus fewer voids and much greater neighbourliness - so important for our quality of life and sense of happiness.
So let's hear it for Walpole - and very much a model that tenants and leaseholders in other blocks and estates should look to - a tenant-led partnership with the council that delivers stronger communities
David L Gardner
Woolwich Common Labour Councillor Candidate,
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