We're being kicked out of tower from iconic TV sitcom but we WON'T budge

RESIDENTS being kicked out of an iconic tower block from Only Fools and Horses have revealed they won’t budge.

Harlech Tower, located on the South Acton Estate in Ealing, is set to be demolished to make way for modern new housing that will accommodate more people.

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However, many residents living in the flats, which the council has labelled as “shabby,” have expressed that they do not wish to move out.

The tower featured as Peckham’s Nelson Mandela House in the popular TV show, Only Fools & Horses.

Phil Robinson lives on the 12th floor and has a special connection to Harlech Tower.

For decades, the 75-year-old served as the caretaker of the building, including when Only Fools and Horses was filmed there.

Phil has witnessed all sorts under his tenure from house fires to TV crews.

The former caretaker stated that even if he were offered a home in the new development, he would prefer to remain where he is.

“This is my home and I’m being forced out,” he said.

Phil moved into the tower with his late wife in 1975, and he cherishes the fond memories of their life together in the flat.

The 75-year-old also recalled the time Only Fools and Horses was filmed there with the crew having to do a whopping 32 takes for one scene.

Phil was diagnosed with stomach cancer and relies on his neighbours to bring him food as he can’t walk very well.

The Harlech Tower resident fears that the demolition of the block and the dispersal of his neighbours will strip him of the support network he’s relied on for years.

Phil isn’t alone in his desire to stay, as many other residents also prefer not to be displaced from their flats.

Terry, 77, and his wife Elizabeth, 82, have lived on the fourth floor with their daughter and son-in-law for the past 50 years, making them the longest-serving tenants in the block.

The couple told the LDRS that, despite their reluctance to move, they would consider a decent alternative offered by the council.

However, since they learnt of the plans to demolish Harlech Tower, Terry revealed that the council still hasn’t told them where they’ll end up.

The 77-year-old claimed that although the building was approaching the end of its life, there had been no problems until the council refurbished it 15 years ago.

He added: “Since then we have had loads of it… and when you make complaints to the council, they aren’t forthcoming.”

The demolition of Harlech Tower will clear the way for 3,500 new homes to be built on the estate as part of a project worth an estimated £850 million.

The removal of the block is set to start by 2027.

The council added that the move to demolish the ageing tower block will generate twice as many affordable homes.

The decision to replace the iconic tower with a new building stems from a series of faults identified within the block, according to the council.

In contrast to the residents expressing disappointment over the demolition plans for Harlech Tower, the council stated that most tenants in the building have welcomed the “regeneration program” and have chosen to request a new home in the redeveloped estate.

The council added: “Any residents who decide they do not wish to take up one of the newly build homes on the estate will be moved into a suitable home which meets their needs within the borough.”

The Sun has contacted Ealing Council for comment.