Clifton estate where people would do anything for…

Clifton estate where people would do anything for their neighbours

At the end of the Second World War, Nottingham was in desperate need of new housing. A lot of the new houses built post-war were concentrated in Bilborough and Strelley - but there was comparatively little land within the city boundary available for building.

But near Clifton Village lay 1,000 acres of land perfect for development. Back in October 1945, the City Council signed off on a move to buy 936 acres of land for housing.

Planning permission was eventually granted in 1950 by the Minister of Housing and Local Government - and Clifton Estate would become, in its day, the biggest housing estate in Europe.

The vast new development wiped out the old village of Glapton - and in time 40,000 people would settle on the new estate, which was split into distinct neighbourhoods, each with 600 to 1,500 homes, shops, open spaces and primary schools.

Since those early days, the area has changed considerably. The tram line now enters Clifton at Farnborough Road before cutting through Southchurch Drive, back onto Farnborough Road and eventually up towards Clifton Lane where it ends at the Clifton South tram stop and park and ride.

Retailers like B&M and Lidl have opened at the Clifton Triangle Retail Park - and the A453 has been widened. Nottingham Trent University's Clifton Campus, and with it its impressive Sports Centre named after the Nottinghamshire golfer Lee Westwood, a winner of the European Tour and PGA Tour, have also been built.

And there's also the McDonald's drive-thru, which transformed a former pub. But despite all the changes - residents on the estate describe a close-knit community. So much so “your neighbour will do anything for you”.

Shannon Winn, 23, is Clifton born and bred. And the job centre worker moved to dispel any misconceptions other people across the county may have of the area.

"There’s nothing wrong with the area. I think people hear 'Clifton' and think we’re all chavs but that isn’t the case," said Ms Winn. "There’s some good people on this estate. On my road, there’s a social worker, builder - people around here, they do work.

“I think the best thing about here is that your neighbour will do anything for you - and even if it’s not your actual neighbour, tell someone you’re from Clifton, too, and they’ve got time for you.”

Howard Loach, 72, who lives in Clifton (Nottingham Post)

These days Becontree in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham is generally considered to be the largest council estate, in terms of population. Meanwhile, other long-time residents of the Clifton estate praised its location, near the M1 motorway, and said there was "a proper community".

Civil servant Christie March, who is 44 and has lived in Clifton all her life, said: “It’s great around here, a proper community. I love it. The kids love the McDonald's, that used to be a pub back in the day and we’re close to the motorway.”

She continued: “The only thing Clifton needs more of is things for the kids, it can’t just be the McDonald’s. The area has come along way, there used to be a massive antisocial behaviour problem - but now, touch wood, it seems to have calmed down. Thankfully.”

Retired Howard Loach moved to Clifton, having previously lived in Sneinton. The 72-year-old said the Hope Church in Southchurch Drive was important with its cafe and foodbank.

Mr Loach, who served in the army, added: “We have barbers shops, a carpet shop - we’re very fortunate and there’s good transport with the trams and buses. I think it’s relatively safe, too.”

Secretary Amrid Rai, who is 61, lives near the Crusader Island, further along the A453 from the McDonald's. But even despite busy traffic, he said: “It’s OK here. With the roundabout it sometimes gets loud and busy but in Clifton, we have everything. I feel peaceful here most of the time.”

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