Residents of Pendeen Court in Slough report worsening squatter intrusions and unsecured entrances months after local council vowed urgent action, raising concerns over safety and mental wellbeing amid perceived delays in enforcement.
Residents of Pendeen Court, a block of flats in Cippenham designated for vulnerable young people, have expressed mounting frustration over persistent issues with squatters intruding into their living environment. Despite a commitment from Slough Borough Council to take “urgent action” to secure the premises, tenants continue to report that several entrances remain unlocked, leaving the situation unresolved and concerning for those living there.
Over the past four months, the issue has not only persisted but seemingly worsened, as residents have found evidence of squatting in communal areas, including laundry rooms. The presence of hazardous rubbish strewn about further exacerbates the sense of insecurity in an environment already sensitive to the needs of its residents. A council spokesperson confirmed awareness of the ongoing issues, asserting that efforts are underway to improve the situation and enhance the overall living conditions for the tenants.
Despite these assurances, the lack of timely action appears to undermine the council’s initial promises. Residents have voiced their concerns through the Local Democracy Reporting Service, indicating a growing disappointment in what they perceive as neglect by the authorities. The inconsistency between the council’s stated objectives and the reality faced by the vulnerable population has prompted calls for more immediate and effective intervention.
The context surrounding squatting in the UK adds another layer of complexity to this situation. Legally, squatting is regarded as a criminal offence, which allows councils to take specific measures against those unlawfully occupying properties. Nonetheless, Halifax’s Shelter outlines that authorities must be proactive in addressing such issues, which is what residents demand from Slough Borough Council. The government encourages prompt reporting of squatting incidents to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken; yet, in this case, the response seems inadequate.
The emotional toll on residents continues to mount as they navigate the anxiety associated with insecurity in their homes. Reports suggest that the ongoing presence of squatters not only alters the physical safety of the environment but also impacts the mental wellbeing of those living in Pendeen Court. Residents increasingly feel that their plight could be addressed more efficiently, aligning with the council’s commitments to combat antisocial behaviour.
As the council contemplates long-term solutions, it must also consider the immediate needs for safety and security. The guidance provided by local authorities on how to report incidents of antisocial behaviour, including unauthorised occupants, should ideally empower residents to act, but for many, the reality remains one of inaction and frustration. There is a clear imperative for Slough Borough Council to fulfil its obligations, ensuring that residents feel safe and supported within their homes.
In this ongoing saga, the importance of community engagement and effective local governance is underscored. While bureaucratic processes exist for addressing issues related to squatting, the lived experiences of those in Pendeen Court highlight a disconnection that must be bridged if meaningful change is to occur. Residents deserve not only the promise of action but the reassurance that their voices will lead to tangible improvements in their community.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglegngyjg5o – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglegngyjg5o – Residents of Pendeen Court in Cippenham, a block of flats housing vulnerable young people, have reported ongoing issues with squatters entering the premises despite Slough Borough Council’s promises of ‘urgent action’. Four months after the council pledged to secure entrances following reports of intruders sleeping in communal areas, tenants have found several entrances left unlocked, with hazardous rubbish left on the floor. A council spokesperson acknowledged the issues and stated they have been ‘working extensively to improve conditions for the residents’.
- https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-housing-tenants/anti-social-behaviour/3 – Slough Borough Council provides guidance on reporting antisocial behaviour, including incidents involving unauthorised occupants. Residents are advised to contact their Housing Services online to report such issues, ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly and appropriate actions are taken to resolve the situation.
- https://www.gov.uk/report-squatters-property – The UK government outlines the procedure for reporting squatters in council properties. Individuals suspecting squatting are encouraged to contact their local council, as squatting is considered a criminal offence. The guidance emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken.
- https://www.slough.gov.uk/crime-safety/report-problem-unauthorised-encampments – Slough Borough Council details the process for reporting unauthorised encampments. The council emphasizes that trespassing is a civil offence, and outlines the steps they take to assess and address such situations, including welfare checks and potential legal actions to remove trespassers from council-owned land.
- https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/squatters – Shelter England provides information on the eviction of squatters, explaining that squatters have very limited rights and can sometimes be evicted without a court order. The guidance also covers the circumstances under which squatters can be evicted and the legal processes involved.
- https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/possession_and_eviction/eviction_of_squatters/possession_claims_against_squatters – Shelter England outlines the procedure for bringing a possession claim against squatters, detailing the application process, service of claim, and enforcement of a possession order. The guidance is intended for professionals seeking to understand the legal steps involved in evicting squatters from a property.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 28 May 2025. However, similar issues at Pendeen Court have been reported in the past, such as in 2016, when residents complained about conditions including blood on floors and graffiti on walls. ([bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-35428269?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that while the specific details are current, the underlying problems may be longstanding. Additionally, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30djp6yerro?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from residents, such as Katrina and Chelsie, describing their experiences at Pendeen Court. These quotes appear to be original to this report, with no exact matches found in earlier material. This suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the BBC, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards. This adds credibility to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about squatters entering Pendeen Court and the council’s response are plausible and align with previous reports of similar issues at the same location. However, the report lacks specific factual anchors, such as exact dates of the council’s promised actions and the residents’ complaints, which would strengthen its credibility. Additionally, the tone is consistent with typical journalistic reporting, and the language used is appropriate for the region and topic.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and originates from a reputable source, the BBC. While similar issues have been reported at Pendeen Court in the past, the specific details and quotes in this report appear to be original. The claims made are plausible and consistent with previous reports, though the lack of specific factual anchors slightly reduces the overall credibility.
