HOUSING activists and tenants opposing the demolition and “social cleansing” of a south London council estate have dismantled parts of a £140,000 security fence put up to prevent their continued occupation of the threatened buildings.

Campaigners have occupied parts of the Aylesbury estate on three occasions in the last two months in protest at the demolition plans.

In response Southwark Council erected a 700-metre ring of steel round part of the estate and installed round-the-clock security.

Last month dozens more flats were seized by occupiers after a march opposing gentrification brought hundreds onto the streets of south London.

The March for the Aylesbury saw more than 300 residents and campaigners walk to the estate demanding more and better social housing.

But the intended peaceful demonstration was troubled by confrontations between protesters, private security and police outside the heavily guarded council estate.

Southwark Council obtained an interim possession order for the latest squatted property on Thursday.

That night several hundred residents and campaigners again gathered and marched around the barrier perimeter before dismantling a number of sections of fencing.

Aylesbury resident Piers Corbyn, who was one of those who took part in the demonstration, said opinion was more against demolition than ever.

“The council fenced off the area hoping they could starve the squatters out,” he said. “But the squatters are very friendly with the tenants.

“They (Southwark Council) have spent £140,000 on the fence, not counting the 24-hour security and the police and dogs.

“This is social cleansing, and Aylesbury is in the front line.”