Break in at Horton Water Tower

A break in at derelict Horton Water Tower this weekend has caused considerable distress to residents living on the new Livingstone Park estate nearby, who are desperate for owners London & Quadrant Housing Association to either demolish the building or find an acceptable use for it.

Several residents telephoned the Police, who gave an assurance that although they were not visible at the scene, they had not withdrawn in case the incident was a possible suicide attempt. The intruders apparently then left the building with no Police in sight.

Lib Dem councillors took immediate action:

• they emailed L & Q insisting the building was made secure and urging a response to the recent questionnaire which asked for views on what should be done with the building;
• they made contact with the residents concerned;
• the Borough Council was emailed so that they knew of the incident;
• the local press was informed so that the incident could be publicised and additional pressure could be put on the owners.

The tower was the subject of a planning refusal by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council last year because the bulk of the development incorporating the tower was inappropriate.

Cllr Julie Morris, leader of the Lib Dem group, issued the following statement after consulting with local councillor David Buxton (who lives near the tower):

"This incident was just waiting to happen. The tower is a blot on the landscape and an open invitation to anti-social behaviour. Residents have told L & Q what they think about this building. Further delay is simply not acceptable."

Cllr Buxton is considering organising a protest outside L & Q's headquarters in the autumn. if nothing is done by then.

Livingstone Park Residents Association is reviewing what legal action can be taken. The incident is the latest event in a long list of problems associated with Livingstone Park, built on the grounds of the former Horton Hospital. There remain "adoption" issues associated with developer Persimmon, grounds maintenance problems, localised flooding, bus lane abuse .....