Foxtons has removed a listing for a property and declined to act in the transaction after listening to local residents’ concerns.

It apparently took the action for reasons of social conscience, local concern and reputation, after the unhappy residents lobbied estate agents in the area last weekend asking them not to list properties on the estate where they live as being for sale.

The flat on the Butterfields estate in Walthamstow, east London, had been a Glasspool Charity Trust housing association property.

However, last year there was a controversial sale in the area where Stella Creasy is the constituency MP.

The 63 tenants have since been served eviction notices by the new owners, Butterfields E17, which plans to sell the homes to private buyers.

Some of the estate’s properties were listed on a Savills auction and are believed to have sold for over £300,000 each, according to the local press.

A flat had been listed at £360,000 by Foxtons and appeared on Rightmove on July 18 for £360,000. Yesterday, the property was shown as having been removed by the agent.

Many of the tenants on the estate are said to live on low incomes and/or benefits. While a few tenants have decided to leave the estate, most have decided to stay and fight eviction through legal channels.

A Foxtons spokesperson said: “Having learned of the residents’ concern, we have decided to withdraw our services on this occasion.

“Looking after the communities we operate in is an integral part of our company ethos.

“Since opening our office in Walthamstow last year, we have built a dedicated hard-working team of eight people, most of whom were recruited and live locally.

“We look forward to continuing to create a positive impact within the local community.”

Shahzeb Iqbal, chairman of the Butterfields Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “I was surprised to hear about Foxtons but of course it is very good news.

“Anything will help us at this stage and it helps when anyone shows respect for the situation we are in.”

Campaigners from the Butterfields Won’t Budge group canvassed estate agents in Walthamstow last Saturday urging them not to list properties on the estate for sale.

A letter delivered to agents branded the tenants’ situation “terrible” and asked that agents did not assist in breaking up the community.

Foxtons, which built its reputation on a central London presence that takes no hostages, now emphasises that its future strategy is to go to edge of London – and edgier – areas. The move has met with some opposition, with its Brixton branch repeatedly targeted in protests and graffiti about ‘gentrification’.

However, the Walthamstow case appears to communicate a new, softer and more community-minded image.

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