'Unlimited Opportunity or Unavoidable Decay?' (Tower Hamlets Council video, 1987)

This video about funds for housing renovation was part of Tower Hamlets Council's campaign to seek an extra £120 million from central government to deal with the housing crisis in the borough, The video lays out how the money is necessary for building and renovating homes in Tower Hamlets and shows many of the borough's run down council estates. The hymn 'Jerusalem' with its line about a 'Green and Pleasant Land' is counterpointed with scenes of urban degradation. Galleon House estate is shown as an example of dilapidation in council housing stock, with residents of a flat in the block showing problems with damp, rot and general decay. Spitalfields and Shadwell are singled out as areas where private housing is in a particularly bad shape, but the Parfett street Action Area in Stepney is cited as an example of what can be achieved when funds are forthcoming. Film of the Parfett Street renovation shows how demolition was avoided and housing retained for the local Bangladeshi population. The problem of temporary accommodation in hotels for the homeless is illustrated with statistics showing the costs of hotels versus building new council homes. Sheltered accommodation at Ruth Court in Bow is shown as an example of the type of warden assisted housing for the elderly which is in short supply in the area. St John's Estate on the Isle of Dogs is presented as an opportunity for developing new family homes. The potential for working with private developers is indicated in reference to a joint renovation scheme on the Montieff Estate in Bow.

Credits: Director, Theresa Daly; voice over, Jerry Lindsay.

Copyright: Tower Hamlets Public Relations Department.

Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives reference number: LC15070

Видео 'Unlimited Opportunity or Unavoidable Decay?' (Tower Hamlets Council video, 1987) канала Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives