The ‘launderette family’ fighting to save a community space in east London

Residents were shocked when Tower Hamlets council shuttered a much-loved resource in the gentrifying area

In the summer of 1896 work was completed on a groundbreaking public laundry in London’s east end, part of what is thought to be the first-ever social housing estate.

The communal facilities to wash clothes on the estate evolved over the decades but have now been abruptly halted by the local council who have closed down the community launderette.