I was living in the East End of London until 1973 and then moved just a short distance away, so I can probably answer most questions about the place (or would probably know where to look if I don't know the answer!).

There were lots of rough areas in London back then, including some districts that are now very trendy and extremely expensive! Shoreditch, Hoxton, Limehouse all spring to mind...

Definitely derelict warehouses anywhere in the area that we now know as Docklands (although that name wasn't in general use back then). Similarly on the opposite side of the river - Rotherhithe, Borough, Bermondsey, Deptford...

If marjorammax (or anybody else) wants to drop me a line with any questions, either specific or of a more general nature, please feel free!