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Shoreditch estate could be left without laundry facilities as laundrette temporarily saved

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date04 April 2024
Publication titleMyLondon (England)
Residents have relied on the launderette to wash their clothes for decades and were left 'absolutely devastated' by the sudden closure and a campaign was quickly launched to save the launderette from permanently closing. The launderette has also played a pivotal role in reducing damp and mould issues in people's homes, which is something many residents living on the historic Boundary Estate battle with on a regular basis

Residents living on the estate have praised the launderette for being so accessible and affordable, as well as being at the centre of their community. It has been described as a lifeline by residents because it has helped combat loneliness in the elderly and connects people of all backgrounds together while they do their laundry.

A council spokesperson previously said that the launderette had been informed in July 2023 about renewing its lease, but did not hear back. The council said it was willing to grant a new lease, subject to new terms being agreed with the launderette.

Jean Locker, who helped set up the launderette over 30 years ago, said the council wanted to increase the annual rent from £2,000 to £12,000. Ms Locker said at the time: "The launderette has been able to run itself because it's on such a low rent, if it had a market rent, we wouldn't be here now."

In the meantime, residents stuck a sign on the launderette shutters to inform people that it had closed, as they claimed there had been 'no explanation' on the original notice left by the bailiffs.

People walking past were able to read more about the campaign and the petition by scanning a QR code attached to the notice put up by residents.

The petition had three demands; that the launderette reopen on a temporary tenancy while a new, long-term lease is considered, that it be eligible for discounted rent and that it be recognised as a community premise, not a commercial one.

After several weeks of campaigning, collecting hundreds of signatures and rallying public support, the council decided to grant a 12-week temporary lease and handed...

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