Wall between play areas at London housing development taken down

A wall which had been accused of "segregating" children from adjoining private and social housing in south London has been knocked down.

Henley Homes, which is behind the development in Kennington, had said it had no objection to all residents using communal play areas.

Walls and fences between the two estates had previously been seen as separating children who lived in each development: Wren Mews, which comprises 36 social housing properties, and the Baylis Old School estate, which comprises private owners and shared ownership residents.

The developers removed the blockade on Friday in a move that was welcomed by those living in the area.

Jane Bloomfield, 43, a private owner on the Baylis Old School estate, told BBC news she was pleased there had been "such quick action".

"I really hope this signals a much more collaborative way of working between all groups to help serve the residents, and children in particular," she added.

Other residents said they were "very happy", though a small few were said to "not like this approach and decision".

The move has also been welcomed by Lambeth Council and the owners of the social housing, according to reports.