Life in Cricklewood, 2003

An extract from a ‘Prime Time Investigates’ programme looking at the neglect of generations of economic migrants. These Irish people are forgotten by the country of their birth and often ignored by their adopted home.

In this extract Frank and Seamus two Irish men who emigrated over thirty years ago talk about their circumstances now living in London.

Seamus and Frank walking from their house in the Cricklewood area of London. Reporter Paul Rouse explains that for years Seamus and Frank worked on building sites all across London but their generation are now replaced by migrants from Eastern Europe.

A house is shown in Cricklewood, London that’s shared by eight Irishmen. Seamus’ rent of £85 per week is paid by the local council to his Irish landlord. Seamus and Frank drink cider in Seamus’ squalid bed-sit. Another Irishman called Billy talks to them from door. Seamus has lived here for 8 years, there is now no light, heat, or running water.

Seamus, says there was electricity and gas but the landlady pulled the gas out. He says he is not receiving welfare. He says the lads are good to me, between that and the skips I’m surviving, they know I’ll bounce back.

Seamus shows the camera a wind up radio which he describes, as his best friend. Asked about his future he says, “I’m bang on 50. I don’t really know you know? I’m livin day to day, if Celtic win I’m happy, if they lose I’m depressed. That is about the size of it. I’d love to get out of this room, please God.”

Frank who is from, County Longford describes his flat consisting of a double-bed, a cooker and sink which doesn’t work, and no hot water. He says his landlady wants £95 per week. He says there was a rat here recently, but the landlady says if you get the rat catcher out you pay him. I’m not paying him, I worked all my life, paid all my taxes, now look where I’m stuck, after all my work. Says when he was mugged and fell on hard times and he had an awful struggle getting few pound out of this government.

Frank’s room is decorated with Irish flags, maps and trinkets.

“There is lot of paraphernalia here belonging to Ireland. I had to leave it but my heart is still there. My heart is still there that is why all the paraphernalia is up there. Why wouldn’t it? I don't no how to say it..I had to leave it but I want to die in it.”