I built a House on a busy roundabout - I'm being evicted but I REFUSE to leave

A man who was homeless for 15 years has constructed a makeshift home along a busy A-road and refuses to leave despite eviction threats.

Digger Down and his partner live in a self-built shack in Tower Hamlets, London, which features oak floors, electricity, and a stove. He created the shelter from materials found in skips, old pallets, and other items he could repurpose.

However, Transport for London (TfL), the landowner of the Bow Flyover, has warned him that his home is unsafe and obstructs the highway. Despite this, Digger is determined to stay, as he faces the constant fear of being forced out and having to start over.

He explained, “You never know, you could be evicted tomorrow. But I’d just build it again somewhere else.” Over time, Digger has transformed his living space, starting with a sleeping bag and progressing to a cozy structure complete with a ladder-accessible bedroom and a ground-floor living room. His home even has electricity, a nearby toilet at McDonald's, and plans to add running water.

Digger's journey began with a difficult past. Raised in a scrapyard in Dundee, he spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and developed a drug addiction. After being released, he struggled to find stable housing, eventually returning to London after his accommodation in Scotland was taken over by drug dealers.

Digger is also known for his political activism, having protested against the HS2 project and involved with Just Stop Oil. He believes the times he stayed in hostels were harmful due to the prevalence of drugs and condescending staff.

Now drug-free, he hopes to be moved into a flat in April. Ultimately, he dreams of building an ecovillage in Wales, but for now, he is committed to staying in his current home.

A TfL spokesperson stated they are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with partner agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals sleeping rough in the area, offering support through outreach services.