Residents of a 1950s estate on Ekin Road in Cambridge are living in fear of a gang of unruly youths likened to the characters in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding. The group of feral kids has been breaking into abandoned homes on the estate, causing destruction and chaos, with some incidents captured on video.
The estate, which was initially slated for demolition to make way for new housing, has seen a decline in occupancy, leaving only a handful of households behind. Dr. Maurice Chiodo, leading the Save Ekin Road Campaign, managed to save 14 homes from demolition but expressed concerns over the rampant antisocial behavior by the youths.
With plans to demolish and rebuild most of the properties, the remaining residents are facing ongoing challenges. Dr. Chiodo highlighted instances where the youths have been using abandoned bins to access buildings and causing extensive damage inside the properties. The situation has escalated to the point where residents feel unsafe in their own homes, with concerns about the lack of security and escalating antisocial behavior.
As the redevelopment plans progress, residents are calling on the council to take immediate action to secure the vacant buildings and address the safety concerns on the estate. Despite efforts to support relocation for those affected by the redevelopment, the remaining residents are left in a state of uncertainty and fear, hoping for a peaceful living environment amidst the ongoing project.
