The view from the seventh floor, Fondant Court, Taylor Place

On a very dull day, Sunday 20th February, this is the view from the seventh floor of Fondant Court, Taylor Place. Patrick, who grew up in nearby Stratford, remembered playing in derelict factories in this neighbourhood and racing along Bow Road as a child. After years of living in North London he has returned, and with Sylvie, is making a family home here. They know one neighbour, but he's out a lot. Their view of the Bow Church clock tower and the west is slowly being eroded by a new residential development. They are frustrated by the fact the clock hands stalled at 5.20, more than 18 months ago. They love the light let in by this window, and all the different urban scenarios it frames. The 24 hr MacDonalds Drive Thru hosts 'a whole lot of drama'. Last Christmas police helicopter search lights sought a body in the frozen canal. One clear days, the canal sparkles and they can see the Tate and Lyle factory at the Thame's edge and beyond to Blackheath.