The town hall has started a £22million programme to deal with chronic damp problems in two of Islington’s biggest estates.

Finsbury Park’s Andover Estate and Archway’s Girdlestone Estate are two of the worst hit by damp in the borough. According to the council’s own reports, Girdlestone is 95 per cent damp-ridden.

Last year, a council health committee called for tenants made ill by damp to be re-housed, with no questions asked. But this was ruled out last night.

However, the council responded with further details of its new £22m scheme, which formed a major part of its 2016/17 budget.

The project will see the Girdlestone’s lightweight metal roof stripped and replaced, with “state-of-the-art” insulation laid down.

Meanwhile, new rainwater drainage systems and better ventilation for bathrooms will be installed, as well new insulation for all balconies on the estates, to prevent damp and condensation.

Some internal insulation work will be carried out to make homes drier and improve heat retention, which could also cut down energy bills.

Simon Kwong, the council’s director of property services, said: “We’re committed to ensuring our tenants have decent homes to live in and can be proud of their property.

“Our £22m campaign to combat damp and condensation shows just how seriously we take these issues. I’m very grateful for residents’ patience and understanding as these vital works are carried out.”