We’re last 5 left on ‘Britain’s Chernobyl’ estate that’s being demolished – I’d rather tie myself to radiator than leave
THE last five people living on “Britain’s Chernobyl” estate have vowed never to move despite it being set for demolition.
Derelict Clune Park, in Glasgow, resembles post-apocalyptic scenes – with rotting buildings and a graffiti-covered church now just some of its sights.
Originally made up of 430 flats in 1905, the council has since issued dangerous building notices for 138 properties.
Urban explorers have even started to move in after the majority of locals abandoned the site in 1997.
But those who remain have threatened to “tie myself to the radiator” if bulldozers move in.
Resident Marshal Greig, 71, said the estate is ”idyllic” and he doesn’t plan on uprooting his life anytime soon.
The retired forestry worker said: “I’ve lived here for 20 years all in all and four years in this particular house.
”Quite frankly, I don’t want to move and I’m quite happy here.
“I know it’s rough sometimes and people come in and smash stuff but I’m perfectly happy here and I don’t want to leave.
“In some ways it’s quite idyllic. My house is built like a castle. The walls are thick and sturdy, there’s a nice view and no dampness.
“The only thing the view from my kitchen window is missing is a few palm trees!”
Marshal added the remaining residents all stay in the same area of one block and they’re safe.
He said: “When I first moved here there was a lot more people, but now it’s pretty much empty.
“Now, out of the 480 families that would be able to stay here, there’s only five of us left holding down the fort.
“They’re great neighbours. I think I’ll be tying myself to the radiator if they make me move out.
“I’m really happy here, it’s my home and I’ve lived here for 20 years so I don’t want to go.”
Inverclyde Council, which issued the dangerous building notices, believes the structures are beyond repair and should be knocked down.
The council owns over 50 per cent of the estate and plans to demolish all original buildings and erect new homes in its place.
A spokesperson said: “While progress to regenerate Clune Park has been incredibly difficult, a huge amount of work has been taking place in the background.
“We have been proactively acquiring properties for a number of years and now own over half the estate and the door remains open for private owners to negotiate the sale of the remaining properties in the area.
“A lot of work has also been taking place to examine potentially dangerous buildings which have fallen into a serious state of disrepair due to a number of factors, including deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour.
“Following extensive investigations, dangerous building notices were recently served on 138 properties across 15 tenement blocks.
“The time frame to appeal those notices has since passed with no appeals having been received.
“A contractor is now being sought to demolish these flats, as well as the former school and church buildings.
“Further investigations are taking place to identify other potentially dangerous buildings and security has been increased, including extra fencing, CCTV and community warden patrols, to deter people from going near dangerous and potentially dangerous buildings and we would like to take this opportunity to discourage people from going near the area in the interests of safety.”
The estate has been a frequent target of arson attacks in recent years.
It has also flogged some of the cheapest properties in Britain – with one flat selling for £6k in 2020.