Living on Arthur Henderson Estate.

Updates ... been a while ... changes to repairs ....

2010-07-04T20:59:00.004+01:00

Finally we have a Children's Play area and social area for residents. I asked, at the start of the Decent Homes project, many years ago now. To move the play area to the green as it was much safer, not least as the area is surrounded by flats allowing parents to keep a watchful eye on there kids. This suggestion was objected to by a few residents. Now we have on with activities for the kids. Open day by the mayor is tomorrow, 5th July.

I spend some of my time running a campaigning website. Activities here and with meetings some local, some even in Parliament have kept me busy.

However as always. Our focus changes when something affects us. Currently I am trying to get a resolution to water leakage problem that has been on-going since the completion of the "Decent Homes" work in our block.

Never ever having a problem with any water leaking in the flat prior to this. It seems that the council has been unable to properly diagnose and institute a lasting repair.

We know from previous investigations this is likely a pipe issue and thus no fault of the tenant concerned. Though establishing this was protracted, it took several months. Then only when the "its a sealant in the bathroom problem" didn't solve the problem.

When it was supposed to be fixed. The first rectification of the structural damage had to be redone within weeks.

The problem is back now, and worse.

Oh and I was told that the structural damage that has re-occurred isn't a repair anymore. Here is an extract of an email I sent to H&F Homes and Stephen Greenhalgh on the 8th June 2010 and have yet to receive a reply from anyone -

"The severe damage from the constant leaking to the wall but mainly the ceiling which has mould etc. I don't want you to deal with that as it will be part of my complaint but I have an issue for clarification. I was told that repairs wouldn't deal with structural repairs that I had to claim off my "contents insurance" ????? that the procedure had changed a few weeks ago.

1) Is this true?

2) When are tennants going to be informed of all these new changes?

3) Contents insurance will not cover structural repairs that is why building insurance exists ? Does the council not have buildings insurance on there estate?

4) Are they aware of how many tennants may not be able to afford insurance and the very quick demise of there estate portfolio as a result of strucutral defects going unrepaired.

I know housing is a media issue in this borough and I think there are many interested in this aspect.

.....

I have copied in our local councillor Mr. Greenhalgh for his input/response into this specific matter."

Did anyone receive information on this?

Well the process of engaging with H&F Homes and the repairs team has been like "pulling teeth".

Last week we had another leak into the flat and I finally decided enough was enough.

Having heard nothing to the complaint emailed, with a copy taken to the office in person. I emailed following this last event.

Within a day I received some replies. I guess when I do engage with the media on this they all want to demonstrate they were not at fault. However this has been going on for over 2 years now.

So this is a project. When I get some answers I will post more.

Also you may be interested in http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org/

In the mean time I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Serco Now dumping outside our block & they collect the refuse

2009-12-03T14:57:00.004Z

As you may know I have had many issues over recycling but specifically the fly tipping of Orange bags as well as other rubbish outside out block.

I am waiting now for the council to properly provide this service to estate residents before I return to recycling.

I stopped because some month ago Serco the councils refuse collection service removed two black bags of mine from the bin and left them outside. The caretaker called as he was surprised they were from me. But there was a third bag from another resident. An investigation by the competent recycling team concluded that Serco will not take black bags.

I had asked for a key for the recycling bin to place my bags in it as the 'slot' is ok if you only recycle pizza boxes. The bin was replace. But a YEAR on and several emails and promises and I have yet to see a key.

Now it seems that Secro are dumping there own rubbish outside the block. Ironically, though you can see the green bags marked "SERCO". When they emptied the bins both domestic and recycling waste - THEY LEFT THERE OWN BAGS - BEEN THERE 2 WEEKS NOW!!!!!

You draw your own conclusions but clearly the message I get is that the council is no longer interested in recycling for council estate residents - just everybody else.

Housing in H&F in the Guardian

2009-10-09T11:33:00.001+01:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/davehillblog/video/2009/oct/09/housing-london-tory-social

Watch this ......

New bin moves around the front of the block on its own

2009-09-02T17:52:00.003+01:00

It seems the new recycling bank has been left with no brakes, or at least brakes that work, and so now every day it is in a different position outside the block.

If you are injured I have emailed the council about this already should you complain.

(This just continues to make me laugh, the council has £100millions and cannot get a recycling system or infrastructure that works)

Any progress?

2009-08-28T10:31:00.004+01:00

A letter from the council apologising for the delay in response and that a "full investigation" is underway. I look for the action plan in dealing with this years old problem but I am not, based on experience, sure they will actually do anything.

As the recycling bin has been moved slightly there is now more room for tipping.

And it grows ....

2009-08-26T22:07:00.002+01:00

Further to the last two posts.

2009-08-25T18:46:00.004+01:00

The only response to the email sent to the Recycling Team, Cleaner Greener Team and my local councillors (that include the leader of the council), was that I was copied into an email sent from the Cleaner Greener Team to the Recycling Team leader. Otherwise NOTHING has been forthcoming. Clearly the silence indicates that the council are impotent when it comes to dealing with estate issues.

We do have a new Smart Bin which is now padlocked.

To prove the point below

2009-08-19T07:23:00.002+01:00

I give up on Recycling

2009-08-18T16:56:00.001+01:00

I have finally given up on bothering to recycle. It is far too much hassle for a disabled resident like myself. For those copied in you can see the history here - http://arthurhendersonestate.blogspot.com/

1. Over the last few months I have had to report our overflowing bin to just be emptied as this system of weekly collection is going awry - AGAIN for the up-tenth time.

2. I am fed up with the building entrance looking like a tip with ORANGE BAGS filling the bin and being left around it.

3. This encourages fly-tipping, as I write there is a pint of semi-skimmed milk on the bin, two cardboard boxes & a plank at the side of it.

4. I have GIVEN UP asking for a KEY for the recycling bin as after almost A YEAR of ASKING for one - this seems an impossible thing for you to organise. I cannot use the bin when it is locked.

5. This is the FINAL STRAW. On Monday, we had a collection for the 1st time in 2 weeks. The caretaker knocked on my door with an envelope addressed to me asking why I had left my recycling outside the bin, especially as I had always complained about it. I explained to him that I had placed my recycling in the bin the Tuesday before and had another black bag of recycling waiting for the bin to be emptied. As explained I have facilitated my recycling by having a 50l bin in my kitchen which takes black bags. I told him that the bin had been overflowing with ORANGE BAGS with 4 ORANGE BAGS left, 2 either side all over the weekend and to CHECK with the caretaker who was on the estate at the weekend to confirm what I was saying. I went down to the front entrance with the caretaker to find my two recycling black bags outside, which I identified to him. He then presented me with another black bag of recycling which was not mind. It then became apparent that whoever is doing the rounds to collect the recycling has been taking out black bags assuming they are domestic waste. Clearly NO ONE had COMMUNICATED with them that estate recycling has no 'code' for the type of bag to be used, it varies from carrier bags etc.... . Of course they had TAKEN all the ORANGE bags which are supposed to be left out on the street by OFF ESTATE RESIDENTS.

I have enough to deal with, and frankly, historically you have done nothing that has made a difference to this problem.

The bin is currently locked so I cannot dispose of my rubbish as I cannot get a full 50l black bag in through the "cleverly" designed pizza box slot.

You can treat this as a complaint but my expectation is that nothing will be done nor achieved, lets be frank it is beyond the council to organise and implement a solution here.

Until such time as you can demonstrate and facilitate as originally promised, residents being able to dispose of their recycling in a tidy & safe manner I shall simply go back to using the domestic waste bin. I am not going to contribute to the recycling rubbish obstacles etc... anymore.

I note that the local political administration, following the report from Localis (http://www.localis.org.uk/images/Localis%20Principles%20for%20Social%20Housing%20Reform%20WEB.pdf) don't seem to appreciate council tenants sometimes do treat their homes and estates with care. Without the drive here I do understand why it is difficult for you to do anything. As nothing is what I have become used to.

I have copied in South Fulham Housing Management though expecting a response has longer odds than potentially winning the National Lottery. They NEVER respond.

Body of email sent to my local councillors in Town Ward & various departments within the council responsible.

2009-07-06T11:28:00.001+01:00

http://handsoffqc.blogspot.com/ for updates, new coverage etc ..

There is a supporters meeting this week see the website for details.

How safe are our homes?

2009-06-25T13:41:00.003+01:00

If you want to understand the long term strategy and thinking from the Conservative Council on Social Housing I would draw your attention to

"The Greenhalgh Vision of the Future" & the policy paper mentioned.

"Stephen Greenhalgh's social housing revolution" - Guardian Online.

HANDS OFF Our Queen Caroline Homes.

2009-06-17T07:53:00.003+01:00

The residents of Queen Caroline Homes have set up a campaigning website, http://handsoffqc.blogspot.com/, further to the youtube post below.

Some of us remember the antic's of Westminster Council under Dame Shirley Porter some years ago. With the Leader of the Council wanting to reduce the number of Social Housing Lets in the Borough this is the "tip" of the iceberg.

All residents in council rented accommodation should be worried about where this will go? Could it be your home eventually? I urge you to support our fellow tenants at this time.

Have a council home? for how long more?

2009-06-14T21:21:00.002+01:00

From Stephen Cowan.

See this youtube video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tV7oK0Olvk

Communal areas & Decent Homes.

2009-06-04T16:57:00.002+01:00

I have heard a rumour that the communal area were being cleaned rather than being re-decorated. I phoned the Decent Homes team today and they confirm that the communal areas will be re-decorated and I notice our windows in the hall have been painted today.

Where do I put my recycling?

2009-06-04T16:51:00.002+01:00

So with the Smart Bank outside full to overflowing, not emptied this week and full of orange bags, building materials & food rubbish where am I to put my recycling?

This bin is supposed to be for the use of all of us in this block.

I repeat again that it seems ok for council tenants to live in the midst of a rubbish tip, yes the council know about this and are impotent. They boast of "recycling made easier" on their website, for whom? those with orange bags of course.

This happens when the bin is left open. I asked 9 months ago for a key when this happens so I could place my rubbish in the bin. I sent a reminder a month ago. After being promised a key hey guess what? yes you are right! Still waiting.

External Works .... sorry but we missed ...

2009-06-04T15:20:00.003+01:00

Those of you who have balcony's will have been asked to clear them so they can be "overhauled". We have a problem with the "down pipe" that comes from the roof through all the balcony's from the roof, in that is leaks. Apparently it also leaks on other balcony's as well.

When were asked the builders if they were going to fix this before laying the new flooring for the balcony. I was told that not only was this a common problem but that maintenance of the "down pipe's" was not included in the schedule of external repairs to be undertaken. In fact I believe that the council and builders are having to discuss the cost of this necessary work.

So new balcony floors are laid only to be spoilt by leaking down pipes!

Given the lack of up to date information given to council tenants on what is happening with this already overdue project. It is clear that our council is ill prepared to manage such huge undertakings a major infrastructure projects.

I cannot understand why such a key element as drainage was missed from the schedule of external works.

Bushes AGAIN! Why are they allowed to grow wild?

2009-05-24T18:00:00.008+01:00

A "pet hate" because of the dirt and detritus that falls on our cars, causing more cleaning. Now covering a "Disabled Parking sign". The people of 8,9 & 10 Claridge Court let the bushes from their gardens grow wild without a care in the world. If this was council bushes encroaching on their land they would waste no time in getting the council to cut it back. But these are private residents who seemingly are outside of any social responsibility. I have "moaned" about this for many years. The council have, so I have been told, cut these bushes back and invoiced the owners of the property. I was then told the council merely cuts them back whenever. Last time I mentioned this last year a member of Fulham North Housing office told me they would be added to the estate plant maintenance schedule. With this not being done I have now been told that plant maintenance is being reviewed! Whatever that means.

So who pays to have these bushes/tree's maintained?

Our front door the rubbish dump.

2009-01-22T09:40:00.002Z

As the recycling bins were designed without any consideration of how they were to be used. The slot is not able to take the bags that residents use to recycle. Leaving the bin open means that off estate residents use it (you will note the orange bag) and it gets full and overflows, again leaving residents unable to use it. Either way it over flows. The council, has been told, and does nothing.

Updates

2009-01-22T09:32:00.003Z

Scaffolding & Satellite.

I am told that dishes will be moved today and back online. Thursday 22 January 2009.

Front doors.

Tenants are to get new doors. For Leaseholders it will be optional.

Leader Listens.

The council leader is holding an event for residents of the borough today at The Lancaster Court Tenants Hall from 7pm.

Scaffolding and moving Satellite dishes.

2009-01-19T13:54:00.002Z

Well work has started on erecting the scaffolding to the back of William Banfield House, 19th January 2009.

Well planned? I think not.

Council tenants have been ignored in this project for the last year or so. However we do get the occasional letters telling us what is supposed to happen.

We had such a letter last week, 12th January 2009, from H&F Homes and Balfour Beatty.

There is a FREE phone number for residents to call, that is if you like speaking to a fax machine - 0800 587 60322. This in line with keeping residents in the dark!

It says that any satellite dishes will be moved to the scaffolding and that you will be contacted prior to this. Interesting as we have heard nothing and the scaffolding is going up.

Depending on who you ask the scaffolding is either going all the way up the building today (this may obsure your satellite dish line-of-sight and thus a loss of signal) but only until Thursday. Again this depending on who you speak to, will be the day the dishes are moved. The Balfour genetleman who's mobile number is on the letter also seems to know little about this, his assistant is the person to talk to apparently as he is arranging this.

So what about the Decent Homes team? Did I call them? Yes I did after 3 attempts I did speak to a nice lady but she tried 3 times to put me through to the person I needed to speak to then took my contact details as there is an apparent problem with the phone of our contact.

So "tenant participation", you remember we were promised that, is dead. Unless it seems you are a leaseholder. They have a bill to pay and are in the minority of estate residents. But being a homeowner clearly makes you a more important class of tenant.

Though to be fair, from the leaseholder I have spoken to. Though they get more communication. The situation for them is also just as bad and equally a mess.

If you want to speak to the H&F Homes Decent Homes team call 0208 748 3020 and ask for them.

Decent Homes - Update.

2009-01-14T19:57:00.003Z

We are into 2009 and the external phase of the Decent Homes is due to start on the 19th January 2009.

However there are some changes that we as council tennants have not been kept up to date on.

Apparently we were getting "Decent Homes Plus" and this has been downgraded now to just the basic "Decent Homes". Not sure when this happened but will ask a question and post back.

What does this mean?

Doors.

We were told in 2007/2008 that we were getting new front doors. We had no choice other than the style and colour. You may remember filling in the questionaire. We then heard nothing.

I caught the council doing their "Door Survey" apparently they are overhauling exisiting doors and only replacing where absolutely necessary. Yet the criteria for this remains a mystery.

I should note that Leaseholders have the choice of a new door so long as they pay for it. It may be related to the cost Leaseholders have to pay. It seems Leaseholders are being kept more in the picture than we are over works. Though they are the minority of tennants. Of course they pay for the works to the external fabric of the buildings for their share and one cannot blame them for keeping an active interest.

It is the council that promised tennant participation and they have failed to deliver.

Scaffolding will be going up and I would remind you to ensure that any insurance company you pay for cover is notified of this. Otherwise, should you suffer a break in and loss your policy may be invaild and you may not be able to claim.

Satellite Systems.

I have been raising issues on this for the last two years and about to submit complaint number 3. The council have avoided answering the issues around this.

They are trying to say that any dish without permission will be removed by them. However as they have not enforced these terms thus far over many years from the tenancy contract. It could be argued that legally they have allowed the "Custom" of tenants having there own satellite dishes purvey and created am implied consent. When I have more I will let you know.

Bushes continued.

2008-08-27T10:37:00.002+01:00

Speaking to the council following further exchange of letters the bushes above the car parking area are to be added to the horticulture schedule and be cut back to the top of the boundary wall.

This will hopefully but an end to the organic debris falling and more importantly marking our cars parked there.

So I complained about the bushes (again) & other issues.

2008-08-04T13:25:00.014+01:00

You will note that even though we are supposed to have our own Estate Housing Officer now, this compaint was not even handled in our local office at Fulham Town Hall.

I have edited the response as it is unfair to name council individuals.

How not to deal with a complaint.

Click on image to enlarge.

My initial letter.

The H&F Homes response - not even our housing office ????

My escalation - any wonder?

Estate visits and notice boards.

2008-08-04T13:11:00.002+01:00

Did you know that the estate visits are still ongoing?

Did you know we have a new estate officer?

Have you noticed the new extremely large notice boards placed at the entrance of every block?

In the spirit of ongoing better communication between H&F Homes and the residents. The information on Estate Visits has been removed from buildings several months ago.

The notice boards contain no information on anything. How much did these cost? As they are not being used is this not a waste of money?

Yes we have a new Estate Officer, second one in as many months.

The only reason I found out Estate Visits were still continuing is I happened accross a group of people looking at the estate buildings and asked.

Satellite Systems.

2008-08-04T12:59:00.002+01:00

You will know that I have been concerned about the plans to have a communal satellite dish per block and the mass removal of individual Sky and other satellite dishes.

I objected to the planning application for this on the basis that tenants will have individual contracts where relevant, or have gone to the expense of investing in Free to Air (FTA) or Freesat dishes on their properties.

That enforcing this change on tenants may place the tenant to become in breach and liable under their Sky contracts. Or the loss of the investment for other systems installed.

In my case. When I moved into the estate, several years ago, I invested in my own antenna on the roof to recieve freeview.

There is no need for the council to touch my antenna it is not part of the existing communal system. However they are insisting on proceeding.

I have asked them to compensate me for this loss. So far this point, after 2 years has still been ignored.

The last correspondence on the Satellite front was January of this year. It notes further thinking on the points raised but again the result of this process has not been forthcomming.

Legally, as the council have allowed through in action over several years. People to erect their own satellite systems. I believe they have no right to enforce any removal of existing systems and dishes.

Not everyone will want access to a communal Sky dish - will they have to pay a monthly fee for this anyway?

Those who use other satellite systems to access foreign language or FreeSat will need dishes on the roof to point to the various satellites are they going to be provided so that we have a roof of communal satellite dishes?

What I have noticed from Decent Homes.

2008-08-04T12:48:00.002+01:00

Over the last few months, talking to those I know on the estate. The main criticism of the Decent Homes project has been the confusion or lack of communication between the contractor & residents.

Plans seem to have been poorly drafted. Residents undertstood they would be consulted about what was going to happen in their homes. However once the builders are in. Some cases have left many angry that the works have left them with less storage space, no proper showers, external vents have been left exposed for pigeons to roost in.

One resident battled with the contractors to retain some tiles they had already installed and wanted to keep. Thankfully they won out. However this was not without the stress of fighting for it.

Yes this work will create stress and frustration as is the nature of the works. The council seems to sit back and let the contractor deal with the residents. Both unfair on these parties.

It was the council that made the caveat with residents that they would be involved in the decisons concerning their homes. For they are at the end of the day - peoples homes.

So many have told me that they will have to buy in time new kitchen cabinets as those supplied are too small. Replacing existing cupboard space with considerably less.

Would it have been cheaper for the council not to have provided cupboards and had a grant system where tenants could have gone and purchased the cabinets they need for their space requirements?

I also wonder about the elusive representative we have on the Decent Homes board. Supposedly representing tenants.

This is a large capital program and yes the works are needed but I cannot help but wonder about the amount of waste, financially, in the delivery.

Scaffolding going up - no notice given & no one knows why?

2008-07-04T11:36:00.003+01:00

So scaffolding is going up outside our building. Thank you to the council for letting us residents know. Of course they have not.

The erection of scaffolding is a problem for resdients in that it can effect any insurance you have for the contents of your flat. If you have a break in and the insurance company do not know in advance they may not pay out it may void your policy. So I guess the council are accepting full and all liability in respect of this for any loss a resident suffers.

So I called the Decent Homes contractor, H&F Homes South who told me to speak to the Repairs Department, who told me to call H&F Homes again and ask for the Technical Department. I did ask to speak to our housing officer whoever that is at the moment and was told they wouldn't know about it anyway. The Technical Department are in a meeting. So 4 phone calls so far. I eagerly await to see if they know anything.

I would have thought our housing officer would have knowledge of major works including the erection of scaffolding. You know as it is the estate they are supposed to deal with.

So no communitcation internally and externally to us the residents.

I though "putting residents first" was the new ethos. Clearly it has yet to get off the ground.

Service Charges for Council Tenants.

2008-07-01T12:51:00.007+01:00

Service charges for council tenants has been an issue that I have been trying to gain some clarity on for some time. Reading the last Audit Commissions report it recommends Service Charges for Tenants. It also mentioned that H&F council had been in discussion on this matter. See the previous blog entry for the report.

I submitted this question to the last council meeting -

"Question to: The Leader of the Council.

Further to my question of 27 February 2008-

QUESTION

“Does the current administration propose, during the course of its current term in office to make an additional charge to council tenants, in addition to rent, for the provision of Estate Maintenance and up keep? If so, when?”

RESPONSE:

There have been no proposals put to my Administration either by Hammersmith &
Fulham Homes or by Council Officers recommending separate service charging for
services provided to Council tenants although of course council leaseholders are already separately service charged for a range of housing and estate management services.

Current issue arising.

I note that the Audit Commission’s report of June 2007 for Hammersmith & Fulham ALMO states -
“
108 Service charges have not been introduced for tenants. Charges for communally provided services such as grounds maintenance have not been de-pooled and applied as a separate service charge. HFH and the Council have agreed a way forward for the introduction of service charges but will only do this when efficiencies are achieved in key service areas. “

So my questions are –

Why was I misled with the previous response? Given that the report is the subject of consultation with the council over a period of time.

Within what time frame do the council propose to introduce this charge?

Will rent lower as a result of the service charge being “split out” or “de-pooled”?

What is the “way forward agreed by HFH Homes & the council for the introduction of this charge”, that is what is the plan?"

The response is above.

You can make you own mind up about when service charges will be forthcomming.

Cllr Ivimy

2008-07-01T12:45:00.002+01:00

Though there was a motion at the last council meeting calling for the resignation of Cllr Ivimy following her comments.

This didn't succeed and the current administration saved her.

Personally I feel that having made the comments the only decent thing she could have done was to resign her seat.

I have not heard nor found from hunting around the Internet any comments from Shaun Bailey on her position. He must fear that this issue will come back to haunt him in the future.

Hammersmith & Fulham Homes- 1 Star - June 2008 Audit commission report.

2008-06-12T13:45:00.004+01:00

Well H&F Homes score 1 star again in the Audit Commission Report of 12th June 2008.

You can see the report by Clicking here.

What is of concern, and I have yet to read the report thoroughly is the recommendation on Page 11 R3 is "introducing service charges for tenants".

Also of note is that the service fails to make buildings accessible for disabled "customers" and the service doesn't meet the Commission for Racial Equality code of practice.

Tory councillor 'sorry' she blamed Indians for litter thrown out of the windows

2008-06-12T12:38:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Stephen Cowan for this.

You can see the story at "Tory councillor 'sorry' she blamed Indians for litter thrown out of the windows" on the Daily Mail web site.

You must draw your own conclusions on this story. Personally I find it's overtones racist and would be concerned at future decisions she is involved in and more particulary the motivation. I don't care about the political affiliation she has. I do think however that any party should be very hard on any elected member who is this foolish.

If this were a council employee I am sure they would have been subject to a disciplinary process possibly loosing their job.

Maybe I should ask her to deal with the rubbish that is dumped in our estate and more often than not by private residents from the gated estate and surrounding large houses, mainly orange bags, because our homes are less important.

Maybe she would have more effect than our local housing office with the trees that over hang from the gardens from the gated estate, that drop leaves and sap on our parked cars. They have been told to cut them back but they feel they can just ignore the council.

I wonder why white middle class private residents are allowed a permanent amnesty from tidying up thier litter. You will have to draw your own conlusions on this.

Looking at the part of Fulham in which I reside. I have noticed the signs about fines for littering have gone up but the number of street side bins has decreased.

Its been a while and our Decent Homes is complete ..

2008-06-12T12:31:00.003+01:00

Well the nightmare, that was just a kitchen to be done under the Decent Homes Project is all but done.

The workmen we dealt with, those actually doing the work, were pleasant & helpful. Pat their supervisor has been great and a pleasure to deal with. Bringing common sense to into the equation.

The Relationship Managers were also good to deal with.

We did have an issue with one person and this is from where most of our problems eminated. Oir plan done many months ago (last year in fact) and following an agreement from Balfour that it would be redone for all tenants (they forgot us). Was wrong as it hadn't factored in the fact the space would be smaller given conduits & pipes.

I thought having thoroughly agreed and understood all that was going to happen well in advance of the project would have left us with an easy time of it. Clearly wrong.

This such a shame as our bathroom, done last year was such a success.

Hope yours goes well.

Decent Homes has started with us. (Week 2)

2008-05-06T12:47:00.007+01:00

Week two of "Decent Homes" has started. I would like to say we have been looking forward to this however the upheaval has been great.

I would like to say that the experience has been as good as when the current contractor undertook the upgrade to our bathroom. However as time goes on, the stress & level of frustration grows.

There seems to me a major communication problem. Loads of managers that come round and talk to you about issues but this doesn't translate to the expectations they set being delivered. It is very much an excerise in passification. There seems to be a "wall of silence" between the managers and the workmen, who do work hard when they are in.

I have tried hard to be patient but the "attitude" of one of the people we deal with is lets say very poor and actually does more harm than good. I don't want this person in our home again.

We had a plan. Seemingly not worth the paper is was printed on. OUr involvment should be minimal the only thing left to be sorted out was the electrical points - nightmare. Every step is a battle.

Such is the level of dissatisfaction thus far I feel I need to share it and make others aware.

They seem to completely ignore the fact this is OUR HOME. As we have disabilities we are home during the day. Don't get me started about the dirt & cleaning!

Thus far & not a fault of the contractor. People that expected to have showers fitted so they had the choice of a bath or shower. Are having the shower fitted but the bracket is just above the bath and they are not fitting the typical shower pole to allow you to stand and shower. This was a change by the council but seemed not to have been relayed to the tenants.

Thus far we have had to replace one electrical item as when they were in last week the power kept switching off. By which I mean whenever the workman turned on his tools ALL the power in the flat would trip. It must have done so at least 30+ times during the day.

I would be interested to hear about your issues email me at enquiry@fulhamresident.com or add a comment to the post.

You maybe interested in this story about some of the construction companies employed to undertake the Decent Homes Project.

Building firms 'rigged contracts' - from BBC News.

OFT issues statement of objections against 112 construction companies - from the Office for Fair Trading.

Caretakers

2008-05-01T19:42:00.003+01:00

Rubbish

2008-05-01T19:41:00.002+01:00

Well the fly tipping and orange bags continue to be dumped on the estate. It has been passed to H&F Homes weeks ago to deal with. Guess what? - its all gone quiet.

Monday - the weekend rubbish removed & replaced.

2008-04-15T08:56:00.002+01:00

So the rubbish from the weekend was removed Monday morning. Only to be replace by the evening with more - still there at time of writting.

Sunday 13th April 2008

2008-04-13T13:31:00.003+01:00

Locking the bins though probably stops Orange Bags being dumped also stops people from the block being able to dump there carrier bags of recycling. When will we see some proper thinking on this. The bins need a redesign to make it possible for people to dispose of smaller bags. Action other than letter writing which is a waste of time and council tax money. As it achieves nothing as evidenced by the orange bags still being dumped after several years of sending them. There needs to be a proper, thought through system if the council is going to win the arguments and encourage and keep the goodwill of those of us committed to recycling. There needs to be some other methods of changing adverse behaviour.

THIS IS MY HOME NOT A RUBBISH TIP!!!!!!!

Orange bags on estate today & Update

2008-04-10T12:11:00.004+01:00

The Street Scene Enforcement team are to be thanked. Though not in there remit. They have monitored the estate and reported back to H&F Homes. What happens next is now in the hands of the Housing Office.

The Recycling Bins have been locked so that you can only dump rubbish into the slot at the top. However, today (Thursday 10th April midday) we can see that the Orange Bags are just dumped, as always, outside.

The orange bags & flytipping.

2008-04-07T20:59:00.005+01:00

Though our entrance way was saved this weekend. This picture was taken Sunday 6th April 2008. As you can see not everyone escaped the dumping of rubbish in particular. The orange bags from those living off estate.

It is also clear that addtional recycling bins only add to not deal with this problem.

I understand that the estate. As it is now managed by H&F Homes is a "private estate" and not part of the general highway. For that reason. The Street Enforcement Team have no powers as there remit is the highways. It is down to H&F Homes to deal with this. I have been made aware that a Senior Housing Officer is now dealing with it. Though again they seem limited in what they can do.

Well I think there needs to be some thought here. It is not fair on residents. It is not fair on the caretakers as this is an additional burden to their jobs. H&F Homes need to seek the apprioprate powers and more importantly USE THEM. As far as this problem is concerned. They do have an ASBO team. I wonder why flytipping & the abuse of our recycling bins is not considered Anti Social Behaviour?

News from Street Scene Enforcement Team.

2008-03-31T15:37:00.003+01:00

Following my regular emails, with photo's attached to our local councillors & the relevant council officers.

Having heard nothing for over a week. I received a response from a Supervisor within this team.

They visited the estate this morning. They will also visit & inspect again in the next 7 days. After which they will send a comprehensive report of there actions & findings.

Not bad given this problem has been going on for years and only recently. Through exasperation at in action on the part of the council. The major reason for this blog.

It won't surprise you to learn that I have sent many emails and photographic evidence to the council in the past prior to this internet presence.

So where do I put any of my rubbish this morning???

2008-03-31T08:38:00.007+01:00

Another weekend and no where for me as a resident to put my recycling or domestic waste. The council seem to be doing NOTHING about this problem. I send them the photographs. I have received no response to my previous email. Asking the council what actions they were undertaking. This is also a hazzard for anyone who is unstable on their feet.

This is NOT rubbish left by the contractors who are doing the Decent Homes works. They clear their rubbish away at the end of every day.

I can only assume it is now council policy to allow council estates, our homes. To be used as an additional municipal dump for rubbish. Maybe I should submit a question to the next council meeting.

Sunday 30th March carrying on from the week.

2008-03-31T08:25:00.003+01:00

Where do we put our recycling rubbish ??

2008-03-25T16:34:00.003Z

Midday 25th March 2008. The council said they would get their "Street Enforcement Team" to look at the mis-use of the recycling banks on the estate by resdients using the orange bag scheme. So far this involves placing orange bags left outside these bins into them.

So our bin is almost full with non-resident recycling waste. So where do we put ours? I thought the bins were to be exclusively for the use of residents.

Rubbish over the Easter Weekend.

2008-03-25T16:32:00.003Z

Black bags were removed Tuesday. A metal and beige chair joined the wood by the orange bin. The wood was removed but the chair remains. Taken 23rd March 2008.

Accident waiting to happen?

2008-03-25T16:30:00.002Z

Sunday 23rd March 2008.

Elsewhere on the estate this Monday.

2008-03-17T12:14:00.002Z

Just a little further into the estate from our entrance the bags have been dumped instead!

Residents should note that any items they have to "dump" should be placed outside the caretakers building, opposite the green, near the centre of the estate. There is a weekly collection for these items.

Not so bad outside our block this Monday

2008-03-17T12:12:00.003Z

Lets hope (though I doubt it) this is all thats left this week.

Residents should note that any items they have to "dump" should be placed outside the caretakers building, opposite the green, near the centre of the estate. There is a weekly collection for these items.

Orange Bag Problem Elsewhere on Estate.

2008-03-15T16:22:00.003Z

Well, further to the post below. The orange bags were placed in the recycling bin. Thought I was told that the "Street Scene Enforcement Team" would investigate. I would have thought they would have collected the bags to scrutinize the content - seems not.

And if you think the problem is just outside the block I live in. The picture above taken half an hour ago demonstrates it is a estate wide problem.

So H&F council - I ask why you allow us to be treated with less respect than the residents that are dumping this rubbish, repeatedly?

Not yet the weekend & guess what? as usual

2008-03-14T12:35:00.004Z

Midday on Friday and our usual rubbish mound has already started!

Only one day this week clear of rubbish. Orange bags or otherwise.

Please sign this petition

2008-03-14T09:23:00.002Z

Picked up from "The Cowan Report"

A petition has been started - click here for petition - by the Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts.

This calls for "No to Charging Disabled and Older People for Essential Services in Hammersmith & Fulham"

Thanks

Rubbish finally cleared

2008-03-13T17:31:00.001Z

Finally. For the first time since the 5th March over a week ago. There is NO rubbish outside the building.

Lets see how long that lasts.

And it continues to grow ....

2008-03-10T21:19:00.003Z

Some rubbish i.e the box on the picture in the post was removed. The Recycling bin was emptied but as you can see more rubbish has joined the pile by Monday evening.

Welcome to the new council rubbish tip.

Rubbish pile grows over weekend ....

2008-03-10T13:26:00.004Z

As predicted the rubbish pile has gotten bigger!. These picture were taken Sunday 9th March 2008 at 9pm. The rubbish is STILL there as I write this - 1.30pm on Monday 10th.

It continues, and action is being undertaken

2008-03-07T16:56:00.004Z

The rubbish that has piled up over the last few days has been removed. However dumping continues. Now it is Friday so "god knows" how big the pile will be come Monday!

The Waste & Recycling Manager has replied to my earlier emails. He plans to get the Street Scene Enforcement Team to investigate and take action where necessary as they have the powers to do so.

Hopefully we as residents will now start to see a cleaner estate. Where we as fellow residents are afforded the correct respect that everyone else enjoys.

Thank you to Cllr. Greg Smith who indicated he would raise this as our local councillor. Clearly he is supporting us here.

Why are our homes, our estate being allowed to be a rubbish dump?

2008-03-07T13:42:00.003Z

This was last night (6th March) and there is MORE rubbish piling up today.

The response for the council was to write to residents again!!!

I publish my response to this email "

With all due respect. You are more than well aware that this has been an issue since this scheme was introduced. I objected to initial consultation concerning the introduction bins wholly on the basis that it will create a rubbish dump outside our front door. Fly tipping was a problem before the bins went in. You have had several emails & photographs in support of this point since.

It is not that I object to having the bins on the estate. Recycling should be encouraged.

You seem to miss the fundamental point. H&F will stand a much better chance of exceeding the targets you mention. Of setting a high standard for other boroughs to follow. If you “win the battle of heats and minds” concerning residents. Clearly as far as council tenants are concerned you are failing here.

It is all well and good that Estate Services clear the rubbish away. But that takes time. From the moment the rubbish is dumped. The “rubbish tip” is already there. Also “passing the buck” here is very much a “closing the stable door after the horse has bolted approach”. I am asking for you to close the door before.

You seem to ignore the key point. The bin is a presence of the councils waste recycling collection system. If one person abuses it and dumps rubbish outside. It sends a signal that it ok for others. It encourages dumping.

Lets not be naive. Most residents are on board with recycling, including myself. However there is a need for a “carrot & stick” approach.

By all means applying the stick needs to be done gradually. By all means initially write to residents reminding them. However there needs to be a further sanction when your initial advice if ignored. You seem “scared to to this”. I am convinced the dumping has become a habit for those that do it. They can continue being selfish because the council isn’t going to do anything. It is weak.

Stop allowing us as council tenants to be seen as a sub-class in our community. The “well there only council homes so it is ok to abuse”.

I note your comments regarding compulsion on Goldhawk Road. In that case it does seem as if that is the “extreme” end of the stick. A measure to correct behaviour on an individual basis, that is missing. Will serve the council better. Target and amend the behaviour of selfish individuals whilst encouraging the wider community to recycle because they believe in it & the council facilitates and works “in partnership” with residents to achieve a common goal.

Thank you also for correcting your initial undertaking with regard to removal of problem bins. I understood thus far that where a bin was a problem the council was removing them. I would like to retain the bins on the estate. As pointed out in my objection. Where they are placed on the estate may go some way to addressing the issues I have raised since. The council ignored this point.

Given you have always written to residents when I have raised this in the past. That dumping continues. I have no faith in that form of action. It is “lip service”. Shows no results, doesn’t change the behaviour and is a waste of time & council tax payers money.

If you were to fine on person. They will talk amongst there peers. Don’t under value the power of “word of mouth”. It is certainly why this problem continues to exist today. Better the word was “we need to recycle properly otherwise we face a sanction” than “its ok to dump you rubbish outside William Banfield House”.

I will be posting this to my blog for general estate consumption."

Flytipping .. see how the rubbish gathers ...

2008-03-05T21:58:00.002Z

With reference the previous 2 posts. It takes only one person to dump some rubbish. Than others see it as an oppourtunity to dump their rubbish. It just builds & builds and personally I am now sick of the entrance way to my home being a rubbish tip.

Thanks to Cllr. Greg Smith ..

2008-03-05T16:58:00.002Z

For his prompt reply regarding the previous post & actions he will instigate.

Why are our homes, our estate being allowed to be a rubbish dump?

2008-03-05T16:21:00.005Z

Fly tipping and private off estate residents dumping rubbish has been historically a problem on the estate.

Why are we seen as second class citizens and subjected to being treated as an extension of the councils waste management network? that is a Rubbish Dump.

I have raised this issue many times with the council since the recycling bins came in. The response has been that they will "write to residents, again" to make them aware of the rules with regard to the Recycling bins on the estate and the orange bag scheme.

The dumping of orange bags is tantamount to fly tipping in my view.

I call on the council to use the powers they have. Through fines etc. To correct this behaviour.

Clearly the letter writing is having no impact and is being treated with contempt.

Whereas I am keen to promote people to recycle. The council is loosing the battle of "hearts & minds" on this with respect to estate tenants who will request the removal of these bins purely on the basis that they DO NOT want to live amidst a rubbish tip.

I will email the powers that be, for the n'th time and feed back there plan to deal with this continual "bug bear"

Service Charges for Council tenants.

2008-03-03T14:22:00.003Z

I heard a rumor. So I submitted a question to the council meeting 28th February 2008. Here is the question and answer.

Question.

"Does the current administration propose, during the course of its current term in office. To make an additional charge to council tenants, in addition to rent, for the provision of Estate Mainenance and up keep? If so, when?"

Answer.

"COUNCIL MEETING 28 FEBRUARY 2008 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Further to the above Council meeting held yesterday which you were unable to attend, the Leader’s response to your question is as follows:-

“There have been no proposals put to my Administration either by Hammersmith & Fulham Homes or by Council Officers recommending separate service charging for services provided to Council tenants although of course council leaseholders are already separately service charged for a range of housing and estate management services”."

Meter Readers.

2008-02-19T13:32:00.002Z

I have just refused entry to a gentleman in an Accuread jacket to the flat.

He was unable to produce identification.

I have called Accuread to notify them.

If your Electricity or Gas Supplier uses Accuread to read your meter. You can check the identity of the reader by calling freephone : 0800 393 499.

Proposed Post Office Closures.

2008-02-19T11:46:00.002Z

The Post Office is going to under take a consultation prior to closing a number of smaller Post Offices in the Borough.

The Consultation starts on the 19th February 2008.

The details can be found by clicking here.

The London Area Plan can be downloaded by clicking here.

Savings on bottled water ...

2008-02-18T07:02:00.001Z

The council has saved over £30,000 on changing from bottled water to mains filtered water. This has cropped up on other blogs (Please see links). I have commented thus :

"Whereas any efficiency savings that can be made should be made following a proper appraisal of all the issues.

I would rather the council concentrated on getting the Decent Homes program back on track.

I believe the council scored 1 star for its management of this multi million pound project. Subsequently the Chief Executive of H&F homes resigned. Funding for Decent Homes projects starting 2009 is now in jeopardy.

No doubt when the estate caretakers are dismissed. The rental or purchase revenue from their flats will reduce the council tax burden slightly further. Though it will mean some caretakers loosing their homes as well as their jobs.

I have also heard that Council Tenants are being treated now as 2nd class residents compared to Leaseholders of council flats. As recent meetings concerning estate management excluded council tenants. I would appreciate your correction on this.

Keep up the blog. It is always a good read and provides me with balance. I am what could be considered a "floating" voter."

Caretaking & service charges for tenants.

2008-02-11T12:26:00.000Z

I understand that the Caretakers are currently being forced into re-applying for their jobs.

The new contracts mean a reduction in wages and the tethered accommodation given "free" as part of their overall salary package will become chargeable. The Caretakers will be given a 3 month period of adjustment for this extra cost. Which in real terms means more of a wage cut.

The Caretakers have been given a 90 day notice period to accept this new contract or face termination of their employment.

The council are also looking to put this service out to tender. This means no on-estate caretaker.

Apparently in a meeting held last week. Attended mainly by Leaseholders. There was also a vote to provide a caretaking service on Monday through Friday also.

Today being the first day I heard such a meeting was taking place!!!

There is also a fear. That Council Tax Tenants are , in the not to distant future. Pay a service charge similar to that of Leaseholders for the provision of Estate Maintenance (Caretaking). So as well as the council saving money by tendering out caretaking in the long term. We as council tenants will have to pay for this poorer service on top of our rent.

One of our local Councillors is Stephen Greenhalgh, the council leader.

Overhanging Shrubs.

2008-02-11T12:24:00.000Z

I understand the delay is due to this service being placed in the hands of a private contractor.

Graffiti & Manhole cover.

2008-02-11T12:23:00.000Z

The matter is in hand and due to be remedied shortly.

Oustanding matters update.

2008-02-08T10:45:00.000Z

Information and emails awaiting a response from out Principal Project Manager for Decent Homes have not been received due to typo with my email address. Can happen I accept. I have spoken to the PPM and the following information has been forthcoming -

1) There is a pilot flat in William Banfield House. No doubt everyone will be aware of the construction noise. Which cannot be helped. This is not an empty flat. So tenants will not be able to have a "look see" at the works. It is important that the builders at the very least get to realize any problems they will face. So thanks to the tenant that was willing to be the "guinea pig" for us all.
2)New front doors are compulsory. The council has to comply with a legal requirement. I have been told keys will be handed over to tenants. Housing will not be keeping a copy.

Other matters concerning Estate Services :

1) Cutting of overhanging trees. The manager of this department has been unwell. I will contact the office when he is expected back Monday.

2) The Estates office has been in touch. Though I missed the calls. With regard to the missing manhole cover & graffiti. I have left a message to get a call back.

I hope to speak to the PPM later today to discuss outstanding Satellite/sky issues.

4 stars for Council but still 3 stars for housing..

2008-02-08T10:34:00.000Z

The Audit commission reported today on the Performance of Councils. Hammersmith & Fulham scored 4 out of 4 overall this year.

However, for the third year running. The performance of Housing has been 3 out 4.

Many of the Performance Indicators are "Between Thresholds" with "Urgent repairs in time" & "Satisfaction of local authority tenants with overall service of landlord by All tenants" reported at being "below the lower threshold".

A case of the "devil is in the detail".

Government thinking on social housing.

2008-02-06T12:08:00.000Z

From the Guardian website 5th February 2008. Caroline Flint, Housing Minister gave an interview. In which she suggests that those seeking "social housing" should only be offered a home on condition of actively seeking work.

However in a further report, later that day. Downing Street seems to back away from the idea.

So what are the contractors like when doing work in my flat.

2008-01-31T15:43:00.000Z

It stuck me that we have had Balfour undertake some Decent Homes work in our flat. Though they very much saved the day. Here is the story -

We have had our bathroom done already. Initially the contractor (not Balfour) appointed by the council was really bad. The agreed plan of work was ignored. The workmanship questionable.Even though I asked him to leave. The council did nothing. After an hour of initially asking him to leave I told him I was going to call the Police and have him removed. Then the council started to act.

Then the council decided to use Balfour Beatty to complete the work, as they were appointed to do the Decent Homes work.

Our experience of having Balfour in our home is a very positive one. The team are very friendly, understanding and hard working. The standard of work is very high. They are very aware they are in your home.

They had to undo much of the work of the previous work and start afresh. Though we were told two weeks. It was completed before time. Often there were many different skills working along side to get the work done.

The team we had would be welcome to undertake any works in our flat, even with all the disruption, they actually relieved much of the stress.

When it comes time to have the Kitchen & rewiring done. We hope the same team come back.

I thought the Childrens Play area would remain in part.

2008-01-29T11:58:00.000Z

I am sure that the plan for the Children's Play Area on the estate. As mentioned at the residents meeting in October 2007. That the rear would be used by Balfour Beatty and the rest would be left for the children to play in.

However Balfour seem to have cordoned off the play area and are using it as a car park!

Though today, (29th January 2008) Balfour have put up ye more signs around there site office and seem to be gearing up for the major upgrade. We noticed deliveries and the first noticeable presence of the contractors today.

I will email our contact at the Council but my emails have hit a wall of silence of late.

Chief Executive of H&F Homes resigns

2008-01-28T19:31:00.000Z

There have been reports. In the press and on the websites Inside Housing and Cllr. Stephen Cowan's blog. That the Audit Commission. Has given the housing department of the council a very bad review.

Prompting the resignation "by mutual consent" of the Chief Executive of H&F Homes.

We are supposed to be represented on the H&F Board

2008-01-28T19:24:00.001Z

We are supposed to be represented by a tenant from our area on the Board of H&F Homes.

I believe our representative is one Janet Gaston. No doubt she does a good job.

But surely the whole point of having representation. Is that you can raise concerns/issues with your representative.

However there is no way to get hold of her via email and her address is not published.

So please leave a comment if like me you feel unrepresented as a tenant.

Heathrow Expansion. Have your say

2008-01-28T17:27:00.001Z

All residents should have received a letter about the Public Meeting on the 12th February 2008 at 7.00pm concerning the plans for the expansion of Heathrow.

The meeting is taking place at Hammersmith Town Hall.

You will also have received a flyer to complete. Fill this in even if you are unable to attend to register your view.

Click here for the Councils Press Release

The website for the expansion on BAA's Heathrow Airport web site is here.

Government consultation can be found here.

There are may website against and for just by doing a search of te internet. Here are two AGAINST, FOR.

Annual Gas Safety Check.

2008-01-28T17:10:00.001Z

Robert Heath Heating are undertaking the Annual Gas Safety Check for the council. The Council has a statutory obligation to get every flat checked once a year to check everyones gas supply and appliances are safe.

This year if you allow the gas check to be done on the FIRST APPOINTMENT will be entered into a draw to win £100.00.

Easier web site name to remember.

2008-01-28T17:02:00.001Z

I have set up http://www.lbhf.info which will direct to this site. Plus it is easier to remember.

Still waiting for response ...

2008-01-28T16:55:00.000Z

Still have recieved no email response on either the outstanding Decent Homes issues or the Overhanging trees.

Trees

2008-01-25T11:26:00.001Z

The trees due to be cut back yesterday haven't been. I await an answer from Estate Services as to when.

Police Pay Award.

2008-01-23T15:15:00.000Z

If you want to show your support for the Police Pay award. You mught consider signing the petition on the 10 Downing Street Website : Click Here

It closes for signatures on the 10th March 2008.

Do you sometimes feel like a "doorman" for your block?

2008-01-21T17:31:00.000Z

Is there a tenant in your block who repeatedly goes out without their keys only to return and buzz every flat trying to find someone to let them in? More often or not it is you that opens the door.

Or are you the tenant who thinks it is ok to go out without your door keys because someone will let you in anyway?

I am not talking about the odd occasion when someone has genuinely misplaced their key here. I am talking about those who do it at least once, if not more, a week!

If you have lost your key to the main door one can be obtained from the Housing Office for about £10.00.

If you expect others to always let you in. You are creating a nuisance and maybe in breach of your tenancy agreement.

I don't open the door as I am more than fed up with the culprit in my block. It may sound less than neighbourly but I am not a doorman. If you don't mind going out with your key you clearly are not that bothered about getting back into the building.

Don't let them in .....

2008-01-21T17:10:00.000Z

In order to keep security tight in your building where you have a main door with a door entry system here as some suggestions -

If you don't know the person who has "buzzed" your buzzer. DON'T let them in.
If they say they are after a specific flat and they are getting no response. Suggest they telephone the person in question. Most have a mobile phone now. Of course if they are getting no reply from the flat in question. It is pointless you letting them in as there is clearly no one in. DON'T let them in.
Often Gas Suppliers will call saying they are from "British Gas" or it is about the "Gas". DON'T let them in. If there was a problem with your gas it would be your gas provider at the door and you would be expecting them. Or it could be the council. Typically these people try to frighten the vulnerable into switching to their gas company. They are sales people and on a commission. They have probably buzzed every flat and you were the only one who answered. Once in. They will then knock on every door. The same happens with the telephone & electric.
DON'T let anyone into your home without being sure they are who they say they are. Most people like the meter readers or council will have a Name Badge. If in doubt take there name and ring their company to get confirmation. They can wait outside until you are happy about their identity. If they get short tempered. Close the door and do not let them in. Those that are genuine will not mind you checking up on them.
If in doubt call the Police (999).
Invest in a shredder. A machine that will shred all your confidential documents bank statements etc. That you would normally throw out in the bin.

Noise - a problem?

2008-01-21T16:20:00.000Z

Living in dense housing. Noise is always going to be an issue. This is covered in your Tenants Handbook depending on which version may apply to you.

Current Tenants Handbook Page 88.

Remember you are responsible for your visitors as well.

Pruning of Overhanging Tree's

2008-01-21T14:55:00.000Z

Please note the following :

Dear Tenant/ Resident

The shrubs overhanging the car park are going to be cut back on the afternoon of Thursday 24th January 2008.

To enable the operatives free access to the area we will require your vehicle to be parked in another location for a few hours.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we will try to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Thanking you in anticipation for your co-operation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Yours sincerely

Estates Services Manager, South Fulham.

Manhole cover missing.

2008-01-19T11:30:00.000Z

There is a manhole cover missing near the childrens play area. I called the housing office last week to let them know. They duly covered it with two bollards.

Hopefully they will recover it soon.

Given the cost for scrap metal. It was probably stolen.

I will email them again to get them to look at replacing it & removing the graffiti.

Decent Homes small kitchen cupboards

2008-01-17T18:20:00.000Z

The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) replied to my email of 20th November 2007.

The base & wall units are of standard size. Speak to Balfour and ask if they can use 700 rather than 600 units. Though this is unlikely.

Still awaiting my re-survey (17th Jan 2008)

Do you have a FreeSAT or Sky satellite Dish? You might have to take it down.

2008-01-17T18:05:00.000Z

For Backgound/History see post "Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

The council submitted a planning application for this reference 2007/03566/FR3. I submitted an objection detailing the issues I have with this planned change. Though my objection is not noted.

I objected as follows :

Aerial.

On the basis that assurance has not been given with respect to our own personal aerial on the roof of the building. That we will continue to enjoy exclusive access to this after the works. We have written to the council on this, 3 Years ago.

Satellite.

That the installation of a communal satellite system and subsequent removal of existing Sky/Satellite dishes is being done where

a) Every flat that wants Sky has a dish thus making this expenditure a waste.
b) Dishes have existed for many years without the council objecting to there erection. This creates a custom/precedent for allowing such additions. I understand that the council introduced a policy some three years ago on this mater. However any dish erected before this date would be exempt as erms cannot be retrospectively applied.
c) No advice has been given to tenants with respect to their liability with Sky, and any subsequent removal of the individual dish and connection to a communal facility.
d) Would the council be responsible for any financial cost on a per existing sky customer/flat basis for a tenant breaking any term of an existing Sky contract that moving to a communal solution might incur?.
e) What about those tenants who have/use Sky Multiroom or Sky+ that requires 2 LNB's or more for the purposes of using the service.
f) What about tenants who do not use Sky and use Free-to-Air satellite services?

Is the council going to write to those who have existing permission to install this equipment? Is a survey going to be undertaken of households to see how many would be interested in using a communal satellite system? What is there is a problem with the dish and or connection? Who does the repair? What is the reporting line?

The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) is aware of my objections as they concern the Decent Homes Project. There is also correspondence going back three years on this issue.

Apparently there is a policy regarding the installation of Satellite dishes. Mentioned by the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) at the meeting of the 16th October.

I emailed the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) on 29th October 2007 asking for either a copy of the policy or instructions as to whom I need to approach to get one. I have chased this again on the 20th November 2007 & 15th January 2008. The policy still hasn't been produced.

The council basically require resident to have explicit written consent otherwise they will have the resident compelled to remove any dishes. However given that many may have moved in, seen the dishes on other flats. Assumed it was ok. Have had the dish for years without the council or their housing officer ever having raised it as an issue. They may loose there own system.

If the communal sky system goes wrong. It goes wrong for many under this new system.

Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

2008-01-17T17:46:00.000Z

At this lively meeting. Council tenants were given details of the Decent Homes project coming to the estate.

From my notes there were some issues. Namely,

Insurance - This should be ok but if you have Home contents insurance inform them of the works.
Satellite dishes /TV aerials - these will be removed subject to certain conditions. In favour of a communal dish. TV aerials are to be upgraded to facilitate digital tv broadcasting/Freeview. This specifically a problem for me as I already have my own aerial on the roof installed to allow me access to Digital TV. Installed at cost to myself.
Kitchen Cabinets - A waste of money as they are not deep enough. Many will have to be almost immeditely replaced at cost to residents after the works to their kitchen are complete.
Lack of Space - In smaller flats. There will be no room for the contents of the kitchen to be placed elsewhere in the property whilst structural works including rewiring if necessary. Is undertaken.
Survey - People not happy with attitude and results of inital survey. Balfour Beatty made an undertaking to re-survey all flats on the estate.
Time Frame - 4 weeks notice given before works to a resident flat with works lasting up to 4 weeks though average expected time is 2 weeks.
Boxes - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) said the council would make boxes available for resident to pack smaller items from bathrooms/kitchens.
White goods - Balfour would help with the moving of fridges etc. They will undertake a video survey before the goods are moved. Residents need to ask for this.
Resident Representitives - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) was looking for residents in each block to act as channels for communcation to residents within that block. I am the one for my block thus this blog. The communication line is Resident Representative, then Balfour Resident Liason Officer and then the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes).

Parking on the estate.

2008-01-17T17:33:00.001Z

There are a number of lined and numbered parking bays on the estate. A few are covered. These bays are allocated to and paid for by residents. They have a permit badge in the window of the car which if they have an allocated bay. Will give the bay number. Those without an allocated bay will have a similar permit without the bay number and can park in other permitted spaces.

Please do not park in a numbered bay if you don't have it allocated to you. This just causes the resident who has this bay anger and frustration. It just causes more problems than it is worth. If you see a bay and you believe it is spare. The office at Fulham Town Hall should be able to help allocate it you you.

As there are no visitor spaces. Visitors should use pay and display on the surrounding streets. If they park on the estate they are very likely to be lifted with a £250.00+ fine to get there vehicle back.

However tell any visitor not to park in a numbered bay. The allocated owner may return and frustrated at not being able to park in their bay that they pay for. Call the Car Removal Service and have the car removed.

Overhanging tree's & parking.

2008-01-17T17:22:00.000Z

If you have a car parked in an allocated bay. It could be that shrubbery from Claridge Court namely the gardens causes you frustration. Especially when the buds and leaves fall on to your paint work , marking it. Let alone the general filth it leaves on you windscreen etc.

Well the Estates Manager is aware and this is the current situation -

1) The owner of the offending plant is responsible for ensuring these are prunned back.
2) The Estates manager doesn't have the funding to just cut these back , remedying the problem resident drivers have. It would make sense to have this done when the trees are prunned.
3) The owners don't seem to want to keep there plants under control and avoid them becomming a nuisance.
4) The Estate manager has to raise a bill to the offending owner and then schedule the work through the Estates Management Office.

I have been in touch with the Estates Manager and the shrubs from the gardens of Claridge court are due to be cut back.

Hopefully this will now become a yearly event & resident drivers will not have to sue for any damage to the paintwork of their cars.

Recycling Bins & Orange Bags.

2008-01-17T17:13:00.000Z

I am sure many of you have noticed the increasing presence of Orange Bags filling or even being dumped beside some of the recycling bins on the Estate.

Althought I am all for recycling. I initially objected to bins near main building doors as I was concerned it would make entry ways look more like a rubbish dump than a place we call home.

I have on several occasions emailed the lady at the council who deals with it. Most recently regarding the volume over the Xmas period. I understand from the Estates Services Manager that she will be mailing all residents in the surrounding streets reminding them (again!) that they are not to use our bins.

If you have an issue with this. Email me and I will forward the email address you can complain to. The more we bring this the attention of the council the more they will do to ensure we have the capacity to deal with the recycling on the estate.

Decent Homes is comming! "at last".

2008-01-17T17:00:00.001Z

Everyone should have had the letter from our Decent Homes Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) concerning your preference of door type & colour and telling us that the project is due to start this month, January. Only a month and a half late.

I have some issues which I have raised concerning the locks on these doors. Namely who will have a set of keys. Will H&F homes retain a set of keys or a master key. This makes life easy for them but believe they don't have a legal right to hold them. These are our homes and only we should have the keys. I have emailed our project manager and await a response.

I have also asked if you can opt out of having your front door replaced should you wish. I will post a response when I get one.

Remember you preference form has to be in by 15th February 2007. It will no doubt be collated and we will then be informed which type and style we will get depending on which block we live in.

Though I am not convinced that having individual doors of our choice would create a problem as detailed. Surely if one of each type & colour of door exists on an estate within the borough they would have to retain and maintain spares anyway.

Welcome.

2008-01-17T16:53:00.000Z

Hello,

I hope this doesn't become to busy a blog that it becomes difficult to navigate. I live on this estate and am sure that some of us at some point get frustrated whether it is rubbish building up around the bins, graffiti or probably more immediate. I wanted a place to put the information I have gathered about the Decent Homes project. Share my my concerns, issues I have raised and responses received.

Please feel free to add or comment as applicable or email me if you want a subject covered.

Thanks,

John.