Residents of a Cambridge housing estate are living in fear, likening the escalating anti-social behaviour to a scene from William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.” A group of youths, reportedly armed with golf clubs, are allegedly vandalizing vacant properties and terrorizing the dwindling population of the Ekin Road development.
The once 122-home estate, slated for demolition and redevelopment, has transformed into a desolate ghost town. With only 14 homes spared from the wrecking ball, the majority of the properties now stand empty, creating what locals describe as a haven for lawless behaviour. Residents who remain on the estate report their lives are being significantly impacted by groups of young people caught on video smashing windows, breaking into empty flats, and causing extensive damage.
A ‘Lord of the Flies’ Scenario Unfolds
The situation has drawn stark comparisons to Golding’s classic novel, which depicts a descent into savagery among stranded schoolboys. Dr. Maurice Chiodo, who led the successful campaign to save a portion of the homes, claims youths are now “roaming around with impunity” on the deserted streets.
“Youths are using abandoned bins to jump onto shed buildings and balconies,” Dr. Chiodo stated. “They’ve broken into abandoned flats and smashed up interiors. These are very large groups, sometimes up to twenty, coming in with golf clubs and targeting everything they can find, pulverizing it to dust. It’s a Lord of the Flies type-scenario.”
Anti-social behaviour reportedly surged in February, with school-uniform-clad youths causing trouble primarily on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Long-term residents express terror, attributing the problem to what they call “engineered issues” stemming from poor council management that has left empty properties vulnerable.
Remaining Residents Feel Abandoned
Sandra Ellis, 71, one of the few residents whose home was spared, described the area as a “rubbish-strewn wasteland” since her neighbours were relocated. “The council have left us in limbo and we should not be forgotten,” she said, noting the proliferation of overgrown trees, fly-tipping, and a general sense that local youths feel they can act with impunity.
Chris Workman, 38, the sole occupant of his flat block, reports that vandals gain access to the building “too easily,” even ripping out security scanning equipment. He and other residents are forced to make constant police calls due to the ongoing chaos, which he says severely impacts his sleep. “They urinate on the floor and use golf clubs to smash windows,” Workman added.
Meg Gadja, 63, a 14-year resident and the only person left in her building, fears her home will be targeted by thieves. “I live here alone in the whole building and it’s not safe for me,” she stated. “My flat is in pristine condition because I care about it…Now it’s an awful place to live. It’s very easy to spot if I am at home or not.” Gadja recounted being refused permission by the council to board up a balcony door, citing cosmetic damage concerns despite the property’s impending demolition.
Council and Police Respond
A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council emphasized that the redevelopment is essential due to structural issues, making “doing nothing was not an option.” The council acknowledged the “frustrating and sometimes frightening experience” for remaining residents and committed to reviewing security measures.
The council stated that mobile security officers are patrolling the area, and alarm systems are in place. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police confirmed awareness of the issues on Ekin Road and stated they are collaborating with partners and councils to address anti-social behaviour, with local officers conducting regular patrols to ensure property security.
