Residents of Museum Chambers want their roof space back

• WE read of prominent officials breaking lockdown rules by travelling long and unnecessary distances in order to reach the tranquillity of second homes.

Contrast that with the seemingly interminable periods many of us living in flats have had to endure indoors; and then ask why any reasonable landlord would deny their residents an opportunity to access a conspicuous area of open space, right where they live.

For three years residents of Museum Chambers in Bury Place have found themselves in exactly this situation, in a protracted stand-off with Camden Council over access to our roof.

Living in a Victorian mansion block in the heart of London, with no lifts or garden space, residents had for decades greatly appreciated being able to access the roof, especially during spells of hot weather, to take in some air and escape an overwhelming sense of enclosure in this frenetic part of the city.

It was also the dedicated fire escape route for the higher floors. Some additional health and safety issues were then identified which prompted Camden to install prison-like steel doors to all the exits.

Coming so soon after the Grenfell Tower fire, residents were, and remain, frightened; we no longer believe we would be safe during an emergency considering the only way out is via a single staircase.

Given Camden is in the final year of its own Green Action for Change programme, and we are in the midst of a global pandemic, it is incredulous that they are still refusing to concede the obvious health benefits to residents of converting an empty space for our use; particularly for those who are vulnerable and need to socially distance.

Camden, please listen to us. Let’s work together to find safe and responsible ways to promote real health and safety improvements for residents. Reopen our roof.

HELEN McMURRAY
Secretary, South Bloomsbury Tenants’ & Residents’ Association