Union Unite has hit out at both Westminster City Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the discovery of migrant workers living illegally on a construction site in London.

The union said it was made aware workers were living on the Abercorn Place site in the Cricketers Estate, St Johns Wood, where site owner Kunta Kinte Ltd is carrying out the renovating of several apartment blocks. Further investigations by Unite found a group of migrant workers involved in the renovation were indeed living on the site.

In the past, the site has been surrounded in controversy as Kunta Kinte Ltd acquired the freehold and almost all of the 34 properties. Westminster Labour Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg has previously called for an inquiry into the ownership issues.

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During its investigation, Unite said Regional Officer Paul Lomax observed a green sofa, clothes hanging on a washing line, several mattresses and bedding along with several food containers at the site.

The union revealed earlier this month Mr Lomax had written to the council's Chief Executive, Westminster building control department and the HSE with his concerns and urged them to take action as the workers were potentially in serious physical danger. However, he has received no response.

Mr Lomax said it is "highly alarming" that Unite's concerns "have been totally ignored".

"Workers must never be allowed to live on a construction site, the potential for serious injury is huge and there are also massive occupational health issues that need to be considered," he said.

"It is absolutely imperative that Westminster council and the HSE immediately take responsibility for this dangerous site and ensure that no one is living on this or any other building site.

"Legal action needs to be taken against any companies, contractors or sub-contractors that have allowed these dangerous practices to occur."

(LM/MH)