RESIDENTS of a Walthamstow YMCA have taken to the streets to protest about living conditions.

Around 20 people who stay at the YMCA in Forest Road claim their rooms are deteriorating, food portions have been halved and they have been banned from having guests in their rooms.

This morning YMCA residents waved placards outside the institution in protest.

Nathaniel Hammond, 27, who organised the demonstration, said: “The carpets haven’t been changed for 15 years and we are concerned about health and safety. Also we haven’t been allowed visitors for two-and-a-half years.

“We have support from many people (staying at the YMCA) but they are scared to protest.”

A Forest YMCA spokesman said the association would not comment on the protests until a meeting with service users scheduled to take place after the Guardian’s print deadline.