Ilford Works, IG1

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Excellent transport connections, and a decent range of shops. Has a pedestrianised high street, with a shopping mall. Nice parks within walking distance. A good local council with weekly bin collections and good street lighting. On the down side, very limited parking, very high traffic noise, and a lot of criminal activity. Have to beware of pickpockets and beggars.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I can't really think of anything as I had researched the area and property beforehand, and asked a lot of questions so there were no major surprises, good or bad.

What is the best feature of your home:

Safe and secure accommodation. Everything is brand new with "white goods" fully supplied and integrated.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The local area is fantastic for shopping. Sainsburys is within earshot as well as the local town centre with the Exchange shopping centre which hosts a variety of shops. There are shisha lounges, a cinema, bars, two gyms, there are a lot of options for leisure. The train station is only a couple minutes away and one can get into Stratford within approximately 10 minutes. The bus stations are closely offer links to East London. Valentines Park is also nearby, which is a beautiful outdoor space. Lastly, parking could be better. Spaces in the underground car park are unavailable and the local area has controlled parking, hence if you have a car, be prepared to pay to park in the area. There is limited traffic noise and ASB. They are non-existent to me. Bin collections are prompt and there are never any issues, space is always available.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The cleaning of the patio when i first moved into the property because it was soiled. Also responded r.e., the hot water system,

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Good - The inside space and patio. It really feels like home. It's quiet, spacious and aesthetic. Its very aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient, i haven't barely used the heating because it is very warm within. Bad - The birds defecating underneath the balcony. It's a major issue and requires upkeep.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Positives: Ilford station at a 4-minute walking distance. Many shops and large supermarkets in close proximity. Negatives: Dirty streets full of piss and homeless sleeping on the pavement. Many drug dealers, alcoholics, thieves, harassing gypsies operating in the area. Not many speak English which makes you feel a little bit of a minority in the area.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I knew there are drug dealers nesting around the building. I also wish I knew there was that awful Life in the UK test centre and people constantly kept queuing up by the building. It is thankfully gone.

What is the best feature of your home:

Utility cupboard. Extractor fans, cycle store and the postbox.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Ilford works is situated in the heart of ilford. Although it’s in the heart of Ilford it’s tucked away in the corner so that you get the best of living next to the town centre but without too much of the hustle and bustle. Parking is alright, for guests there is the local Sainsbury’s or the neighbouring roads although they can’t stay for too long. Bin collections occur every Thursday and there is a maintained refuse area which is very convenient for residents. Ilford works is situated next to the A406 however windows are about 90-95% noise proof so the traffic can’t be heard when all the windows are shut.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had asked before I moved in was if the apartments had AC. This is so important especially in higher floor flats. Another thing which I haven’t found here is a recycling service

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of our home is the view from our balcony. We are able to see the beautiful London skyline including Canary Wharf and the Shard. At night it is a sight to behold!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Pros… Good location close to shops, city centre and station. Good transport links Lots of public car parks in vicinity Nice park local - Valentine’s Park Cons Anti social nearby - drug users/homelessness Recycling bins in comparison to general refuse low, more needed No local street parking A406 traffic noise

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

None

What is the best feature of your home:

Great colour scheme and design. Modern and slick! Spacious 1 beds.