NEIGHBOURS gathered to raise concerns about the future of their estate over fears it could be demolished by a regeneration plan.

A meeting was held at Broadwater Farm community centre on February 24 to discuss the redevelopment plans of the estate in Tottenham, that may include many new homes being built and potentially resulting in existing houses being knocked down.

Questions were answered by a panel that included Chris Hutton, treasurer of the Broadwater Resident’s Association and Dave Morris, chair of The Friends of Lordship Rec, both of whom focused on the “importance” of people working together to object the proposals.

Mr Hutton, who lives in the Martlesham flats, announced at the start of the evening: “None of us who have attended this meeting are against regeneration or redevelopment in general.

“We just do not think the plans for the Broadwater area are a good idea and it will ruin the estate we have built up over the years.”

Some of the areas affected by the “second stage” of the councils’ Local Plan consultation, which is open until March 4, are Lordship Lane, Lido Square and Moira Close.

People from those parts voiced their opinion at the meeting and agreed that although plans for Broadwater Farm will not go ahead until 2020, it was crucial to stop any plans from going ahead before the council made any final plans.

They admitted the estate, which is owned by Homes for Haringey, was not perfect but said that is why improvements needed to be made, rather than demolition.

Some of the improvements people want to see include regular cleaning and maintenance of the area, redecoration of the estate, overcrowded families being entitled to a bigger house if they wish and a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Other concerns included the area being “blighted” for homeowners in Lordship Lane, who may struggle to sell their house if there is an uncertain future ahead.

Eileen McGrath, has lived in the Debden block of flats in the estate for 20 years and believes “solidarity” is key to helping the estate.

The 78-year-old said: “When I first moved here, there were no buses or even a health centre but we worked as a group to demand them and no we have a bus route through the estate and both a health and community centre.

“We have come so far in 20 years, we can’t let it all go to waste. The area just needs building up, not being demolished.”

Shirley Maynard, 55, also lives in the Debden block and agrees that demolition should not be part of the council’s plans.

She said: “I chose to live here nine years ago and I really like living here.

“The buildings are strong and solid and I do not believe there is anything wrong with them.

“I therefore cannot understand why there are plans for development. I hope it does not lead to my home and the homes of all my friends being demolished.”

Dave Morris, chair of The Friends of Lordship Wreck, summed up at the end of the meeting: “The plans are an outrage to the community.”

Speaking to the Independent, bosses at the council said they have "no plans" to demolish the estate.

"We are committed to considering ways to improve the estate, so that residents can enjoy living in highest standard of housing possible,” a spokesman said.