![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/we-live-on-uks-biggest-council-estate/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/newspress-collage-23937347-1694691434537.jpg&description=Exclusive WHAT A STATE Published : 14:29, 16 Sep 2023 RESIDENTS who live on the UK's biggest council estate say it used to be clean and tidy but new people have RUINED it. The 27,000-home Becontree estate in Dagenham, east London, was built in the 1920s and 30s. 9 The Becontree estate in Dagenham, east London, was built in the 1920s and 30s Credit: Darren Fletcher 9 The first homes were completed on Chitty's Lane in 1921 Credit: Darren Fletcher 9 George Woodley, 78, brought up his son Andy, 56, on the estate Credit: Darren Fletcher The first homes were completed on Chitty's Lane in 1921 and an estimated 100,000 people now live on the estate. Several famous names grew up there including football managers Alf Ramsey and Terry Venables, comedian Max Bygraves and actor Dudley Moore . It was designed to rehouse people displaced from the East End by slum clearance and covers four square miles. For many families it was a radical improvement, but several lifelong residents claim the area has gone "downhill". Delivery driver Andy Woodley, 56, who often enjoys a pint in the local boozer, said: "We moved to Dagenham from Poplar when I was four. "It was the overspill of the East End and there were no problems growing up. I think the area is different now. "Over the last 15 to 20 years it has changed a lot with urban cleansing. For better or worse - I'm not sure. "We'd probably leave if we had some money, but the houses are reasonably priced around here. "You do get a lot of work opportunities and you are close to central London. "The cost of living crisis has turned the screw and is another reason we won't move." Andy's father George, 78, said: "Dagenham will always be in my heart, but I think the area has gone downhill. "People used to keep their houses nice with lovely plants in the front gardens. "Now people who rent here just don't care. Hence the reason my wife and I moved away. "Otherwise I would still be living here where I literally brought up my family." Gary Powell, o){kind=link}
RESIDENTS who live on the UK’s biggest council estate say it used to be clean and tidy but new people have RUINED it.
The 27,000-home Becontree estate in Dagenham, east London, was built in the 1920s and 30s.
The first homes were completed on Chitty’s Lane in 1921 and an estimated 100,000 people now live on the estate.
Several famous names grew up there including football managers Alf Ramsey and Terry Venables, comedian Max Bygraves and actor Dudley Moore.
It was designed to rehouse people displaced from the East End by slum clearance and covers four square miles.