A woman padlocked herself to a gate in a protest over housebuilding.

Demonstrators gathered on the West Hendon estate this morning, to protest about the regeneration scheme that will see many homes demolished.

People living on the estate will be moved out of their homes next year, to make way for 2,000 new flats being built.

Glynis Walker is campaigning on behalf of her 85-year-old mother, Adelaid Adams, who lives in Tyrell Way, one of the blocks facing bulldozing. She padlocked herself round the neck to the gate this morning to prevent lorries from entering the building site.

She said: “About three months ago, a doctor said the work was having a bad effect on my mum, who is in bad health. She is suffering.

"This morning we blocked about six or seven lorries, and a couple of vans from coming in. We set out to stop them coming in, and we achieved it. We aim to cost them money each time.

“We have been protesting for months by blocking lorries from getting to the site. We will carry on protesting for as long as it takes. I think of myself as a modern Emily Pankhurst. It’s the first time I have padlocked myself to the gate. One person can make a difference.”

About 30 activists from the estate and from across London gathered on the site at 7.30am. Ms Walker padlocked herself at 8.30am.

She was eventually cut free by the fire brigade at midday.

The regeneration is being carried out by developer Barratt Metropolitan LLP, in partnership with Barnet Borough Council and Barnet Homes.

A spokesman for Barratt Metropolitan LLP said: “Barratt Metropolitan is helping to deliver the long-awaited regeneration of the West Hendon Estate in line with the council’s aspiration to transform the local area.

“The redevelopment will not only provide 2,000 high quality homes for current and future residents, but will deliver a range of amenities for the local community including a new primary school, community centre and public parks.

“Around 125 new full-time jobs will be created in the new community facilities and shops within the development and the local area is expected to benefit from £4m of extra local spending over the next ten years.

“Significant improvements to local infrastructure will be made, such as the removal of the gyratory from the residential estate, and enhanced pedestrian access to Hendon train station.”