An Instagram account has achieved cult status for its mocking of an unpopular tower block development in Walthamstow.
The walthamstow_towers account has been posting about the two towers at The Mall since 2023, and has gained a significant following in the borough.
The account holder has even collaborated to make caps for charity and campaigned by started petitions, along with keeping their 5,000 followers entertained with humorous posts ridiculing the towers.
The account’s anonymous owner said: “You can sit there and be angry at the towers, but if you sit there and you now think of a stupid meme account, that is hilarious.”
Using online trends and meme formats, the account focuses on the sentiment that some Walthamstow residents have been feeling about the towers for some time now: Why here, and why so brutish?
The person behind the account entered it for community awards, but did not make it as a finalist in a competition where Walthamstow councillors were voting on the winners.
However, the account did win a limerick competition online run by Walthamstow-based artist Angry Dan.
The Mall development was finished earlier this year, with residents first moving in during March.
The apartments within the development are not available to buy, but just to rent.
Behind this hilarity of the account lies someone who is deeply concerned about social issues within their borough and is concerned over housing.
They said: “We need more housing, not more landlords.
“We need more housing, but we don’t need to disrupt the way of life for people who have lived here forever.
“They’re focused on just building things that will make them and other people money, and it screws over people who want to save up and buy somewhere.”
Another frustration of residents is the redevelopment promised an extension to Walthamstow Central tube station, progress of which is barely visible other than a blank concrete wall.
The meme-maker acknowledged that they can’t do anything now to stop the development, but that perhaps the page can be used to stop similar developments in the future.
They are conscious of wanting to promote the wide-ranging culture of Walthamstow too, and do not want anything to do with money.
A collaboration with the store PAVEMENT saw them make caps for sale where all the proceeds would go towards Walthamstow charity Eat or Heat.
The caps are a collaboration between PAVEMENT and sustainable brand Second Stories.
The owner of the account works in social media and wanting learn more about his industry played a part in launching walthamstow_towers.
Waltham Forest Council were contacted for comment.
Featured Image Credit – @Walthamstow_Towers
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