RESIDENTS have been protesting against their landlord which is proposing to sell off their homes.

The Crown Estate manages land and property worth more than £6 billion and is owned by the Crown on behalf of the government.

It is proposing to sell 78 properties in Lee Green, Lewisham, to a housing provider.

A further 1,222 homes across Westminster, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Camden are also under threat in order to raise £250 million.

Households fear a private landlord or housing association would result in an increase in rent and a break up of longstanding communities.

More than 40 people gathered at the Old Colfeians Sports Club on Eltham Road in Eltham to protest against the sale of their homes to a new landlord.

Jill Goldsmith of Cambridge Drive, Lee, said: “I feel very disappointed and let down by The Crown.

“We are very privileged to have them and I am devastated we are going to be sold off to anybody who they see fit.”

Mrs Goldsmith who has lived there for 30 years added: “They say its in our best interest but its really just for commercial reasons.”

Neighbour Betty Church, aged 99, said: “At my time of life this isn’t what I expected to be experiencing, that my home has become vulnerable.

“I have lived in Lee Green all my life and I love the community spirit.”

The Crown Estate has refused to ballot tenants on their views but has set up a consultation period which ends on March 23.

During this time it is seeking out potential buyers and residents are concerned their views and feedback during the consultation will be ignored.

Director of investment and asset management at The Crown Estate, Paul Clark, said: “No decision has been made on whether to proceed with this proposal.

“If, following the consultation and marketing exercise, we decide to progress the proposal, nobody will be asked to leave their home. The landlord will change but every resident’s tenancy will remain in place.”

To sign the petiton against the change, visit petitions.number10.gov.uk/crownresidents