Overview
- Most of the 1950s–60s Ekin Road estate has emptied for redevelopment, with 14 of 122 homes saved and the remaining 108 marked for demolition under a plan to build 78 council houses and 56 private homes.
- Residents report a sharp rise in vandalism earlier this year, saying groups of youths regularly break into vacant flats and smash interiors and windows.
- Campaigners and neighbours describe attackers sometimes numbering up to twenty and using golf clubs to damage property and ripped-out security equipment, which has left solo occupants feeling unsafe at home.
- Cambridge City Council says structural faults make rebuilding necessary and that mobile security patrols, alarms and police visits are in place and under review, while Cambridgeshire Constabulary says officers are regularly patrolling the area.
- With demolition possibly up to 18 months away, locals warn the long vacancy window is worsening antisocial behaviour, disrupting sleep and daily life, and they are pressing for stronger, visible protections while the site waits to be cleared.