Inside UK estate so ugly the architect was sacked but is now loved by influencers

An estate in London which saw its architect lose their job due to the "ugly" housing is now thriving thanks to social media influencers.

Alexandra Road Park in Camden caused controversy when it was first built in the 1970s when it cost the local council a huge £20.9 million, making it one of the most expensive social housing in London.

The concrete-block flats were not to taste when they were first built, which led to the sacking of architect Naeve Brown as developers searched for cheap alternatives to build the social housing.

But the estate, which homes more than 1,600 people across two rows of terraces - Ainsworth Way and Rowley Way - has been revitalised by the Instagram influencers who have been drawn in by the unique housing.

The estate in Camden was built in the 1970s by architect Naeve Brown (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Residents believe that the estate is a "really great place to live" as they shared their views on the local community.

Tony Taylor, 73, has appreciated the building's appeal more than most, having first visited when construction was completed in 1978 before moving in four years later.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: "It's a nice-looking place. Beautiful in the summertime. There are loads of movies filmed here, but where does the money go?

The brutalist architecture has become popular with Instagram influencers (Getty Images)

"The money should go back into the infrastructure. This place used to be immaculate. I'm fine living here, but it's all about the council maintaining the place."

Alexandra Skocka passes the Camden estate every day on the bus and became fascinated by the brutalist architecture.

She explained: "I live in a big apartment block. I would get the bus to the City and see the estate. I love the terraces. I think it's an amazing area."

Architect Naeve Brown was sacked as developers looked for cheaper ways to build social housing (In Pictures via Getty Images)

Rose Falconer, who has lived on Ainsworth Way for two years, says the estate is "brilliant" for children as it has four playgrounds and a football pitch among the amenities.

This is a stark contrast to residents of a rural town who have said they are scared to go into the high street in the afternoons as gangs of drunken thugs threaten the peace and quiet.

Residents and businesses in Pontypridd have said they are fed up with boozed up yobs causing chaos in their town.

It houses more than 1,600 people (Getty Images)

Locals are sick and tired, warning of "youths hanging around" causing intimidating behaviour. There is often screaming and shouting which can spill into violence.

In the last three months, there have been around 40 arrests for antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Pontypridd.

In recent years the police have used dispersal orders in the town, meaning officers can issue a person with a written order directing them to leave the area. And issues seem to be on the rise again.