Residents say the riverside area has potential, but needs safety, transport and things to do
The South London area where locals feel forgotten
Thamesmead has long been seen as one of South London’s most ambitious post-war housing estates – but for many locals, it’s become one of the most forgotten about. Once built as a modern ‘town of the future,’ it’s now a place residents describe as both changing and struggling to keep up.
For some, that change has brought fear. Maureen Sullivan, 77, said: “Thamesmead is a problem. I wouldn’t walk around Thamesmead by myself. I certainly wouldn’t walk when it’s dark and there’s just so much trouble all the time.”
She said overcrowding is one of the area’s biggest issues. Maureen added: “There are too many people close together on top of each other… you get lots of stabbings, noise problems…”
The pensioner added that nearby Abbey Wood feels safer. She said: “Abbey Wood has its problems, but people aren’t as congested as Thamesmead.”
Others, like lifelong resident Malcolm Hearn, 63, said Thamesmead’s community spirit has faded. He said: “I’ve lived in Thamesmead for a long time, and I liked Thamesmead. But there’s so much that’s changed. All the pubs I used to drink in have gone over to the other side of the river. There’s nothing to do.”
Despite the decline, some residents still see hope for renewal. Juliet Olodu, 48, who has lived there for 19 years, said: “There’s a lot of change… Thamesmead is quiet, peaceful, but a lot of change has happened. Change can be scary, but sometimes it is good.”
Thamesmead has seen new transport links like the Elizabeth line in nearby Abbey Wood, and major plans to bring the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the area. Yet residents say the basics – safety, amenities and things to do – are still lacking.
Jude, who has lived in Thamesmead for several years, said it’s a good place for families but not ready for major expansion. He said: “It’s very family-oriented. But we’re already struggling with a lot of issues with the buses and transportation.”
Younger locals say investment could transform the area if done right. Leo Sanzone, 20, said: “This is a bit of a rundown place at the moment, so if they develop it, it will bring in more people.”
He added: “There’s not really much to do around Thamesmead, so if they add things to do, maybe a shopping centre, it will probably be better for the place.”
Thamesmead’s future may depend on whether its long-promised regeneration delivers more than just new homes. For residents like Malcolm, the hope is simple – a safer, livelier community that gives people a reason to stay.
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