Lewes Association of Scattered Tenants meeting held on 22 November 2016 held at the Tenants Resource Centre Issue Where More Information Who dealing and Update Feb 2017 what action 1. Guttering 8 Munster Green Barcombe The guttering needs to be cleared of moss because when it rains the Richard to report and ask AMO to visit again to see this is now complete 2. Tiles Between 8 and 11 Munster Green 3. Communal Door 9 12 Munster Green water is like a waterfall Some of the tiles seem to have slipped This keeps being propped open Does not seem to close all the way without a good push 4. Garage (Fences) Munster Green The fencing around the garages needs replacing and some of the posts are rotten 5. Hedge Car Park of This has been cut back, but have 6. Cavity wall insulation 9 and 10 7. Signs needed 9 and 10 8. Damage caused by contractor not done a good job There is still an issue with this Because of where these two bungalows are positioned delivery drivers/non locals have problems finding them, it was asked if a sign could be fitted to help 5 Mount Pleasant When the solar panels were fitted, the contractor damaged the guttering, they were supposed to come and sort but have not done so what can be done Richard to report Sarah has written to tenants requesting that they do not prop door open and arranged for repair Done Reported to parks dept Tenant to monitor Richard to request another visit by a supervisor Engineers have visited and are going back with site plans Action may be needed to move trailer/car Tenant not at meeting Richard to check this is now complete Visit taken place and e-mail summarising outcome sent to Sue Wells. Issue have been addressed and confirmed with both tenant s this is now complete? 9. Mould on kitchen wall 9 A contractor is due to visit next week Insulation works carried out 1
10. Gutter cleaning 9 and 10 Although the gutters have been done, the down pipe have not, and are causing problems when it rains Richard to speak to the AMO 11. Damp in kitchen 10 Richard to speak to the AMO 12. Fence 10 The contractors had come out and Richard to find out used one new panel and one old one, when there were 2 in the garden ready for use Why had they done this and what happened to the other new panel? 13. Issue with water 9 and 10 14. Car Park 9 and 10 This was thought to do with the works undertaken at the School It was asked if this could be made for use by those that live in that area The only way to do this would be by the introduction of permit holders and would need consultation to all in the area and the Council would not be able to monitor 15. Garden in a state 6 Munster Green All the area around Munster Green belongs to the Council and as such should be maintained by the Council. 16. Communal Recycling 17. Manhole Covers outside blocks 1 2 are very slippery Car park by shop Barcombe Hillcrest Court The large communal bin for plastics has been removed and replaced with a smaller one that cannot cope with the demand, and people are using the communal bins in Munster Green which is causing issues The pavements are the responsibility of ESCC, so any issues should be reported direct to them Laura Williams and Richard Forrest are dealing with Sarah to visit and take any necessary action Sue to contact Waste and Recycling to see if the larger bin can be reinstated Gutters all cleared out to both properties November 2016 Insulation works carried out Laura Williams has dealt with shortly after Nov 2016 meeting These have been pressure washed but are not the responsibility of LDC 2
18. Communal and Hillcrest Court external lighting is on all day 19. Parking Hillcrest Court This is still an issue, not sure how much LDC can do as both road and 20. Rubbish left after bin team visit ALL pavement belong to ESCC It was reported that most areas have an issue with the bin team not clearing up any rubbish that comes out of the bags The AMO has visited and hopefully this will be sorted soon ALL to report as needed to the Customer Hub on 01273 471600 and they will deal with 3
Dates of next meeting - 2017 - all start at 10am Thursday Feb 9 th Tuesday May 2 nd (Please note change of date, as original date cannot do) Tuesday Sept 12 th Venue - Tenants Resource Centre, 2a Horsfield Road Lewes Information Section Attended by: John Langley, Lawrence Steer, Anne Silk, Tina Elliot, Beryl Jackson, Leslie Coppard, Anthony Howard, Barbara Peake and John Simmons. Guests: Sarah Hewitt, Richard Hallett and Sue Wells Apologies: Coralie Haynes and Debbie Twitchen 1. Funds being held by TOLD on behalf of LAST The amount has not changed, so TOLD hold 241.85 on behalf of LAST 2. TOLD Open Meetings 2017 - all from 19:00 21:00 12 th Jan Seaford House Communal Lounge 20 th April Ringmer Village Hall 20 th July Hillcrest Centre, Room 7, Newhaven 29 th Sept AGM Tenant Resource Centre, 2a Horsfield Road. Lewes. 3. Stock Condition Survey Rand Associates on behalf of Lewes District Council have been round to visually inspect the condition of major building components on the exterior of all houses and blocks of flats including sheltered accommodation, and approximately 600 flats and houses have had a survey carried out to the interior to assess the condition of key components such as kitchens and bathrooms. The aim of the survey is to help the council identify, cost and plan future scheduled maintenance and refurbishment work. The results of the survey will be feed back to the Council to enable them to plan future spend on the stock. It was stated that the stock condition was nothing to do with the new policy of the Council having to sell higher value council homes when these become vacant. And the money raised will be sent to central Government to fund discounts of up to 103,900 for housing association tenants who want to buy their homes. 4
4. Homes First Working Group Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council, residents, Councillors and staff, have joined together to create a working group to shape the Housing Management and Property Services Teams for future joint service delivery. This group will be providing advice, guidance and information as appropriate to the wider body of resident representatives and will report to the Eastbourne Homes Board and respective Cabinets in March 2017. 5. Cleaning Contract renewal Lewes District Council will shortly invite tenders for the cleaning services provided to tenants and leaseholders living in blocks of flats. The new cleaning contract will be shared with the Council s partners Eastbourne Homes Ltd. All tenants who live in a block of flats or scheme where there are communal areas will be written to seek their views, via a survey to ensure you, are getting the service that you feel is necessary, and that you are satisfied with it. This survey will help the Council to identify aspects of the cleaning service that can be improved. If you are affected and receive a survey, please return using the enclosed self addressed envelope or in person at one of the Council s offices at Saxon House, Newhaven or Southover House, Lewes by 6 January 2017. Alternatively you can complete the on line survey which can be found on the Council s housing web page http://www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/24136.asp. If you require any assistance completing the form please contact the Council on 01273 471600. 6. Tenant Participation Development Plan 2016 Lewes District Council s Tenant Participation Development Plan sets out how they work in partnership with tenants to improve local communities and to improve the overall housing service. It has details of how LDC supports tenants and residents associations across the district, showcases some of the association s achievements and what their plans are for the future. As well as this, the plan shows how LDC supports other tenants organisations, such as TOLD to help shape the overall housing service. It gives details of key improvements that have been made to services as a result of tenant involvement and how the council hope to involve more tenants in the future. Copies can be got by going to http://www.lewes.gov.uk/files/tp_development_plan_2016.pdf or phoning 01273 487249 and speaking to the TP team 7. Tenants Annual Report 2015-16 The Tenants Annual Report shows what the housing service at Lewes District Council has delivered in 2015/16 and summarises some of their future plans for the service. It contains information on what LDC spent on maintaining our homes in the last year, updates on the key amnesty, and fire awareness amongst other things. Copies can be got by going to www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/21615.asp or phoning 01273 487249 and speaking to the TP team. 8. Environmental Budget 2017/18 - Submit bids to improve your local area It is time to talk to your neighbours to see if you have any ideas for improving the communal areas around where you live. Ideas can range from small things like improved lighting or tree planting to re-landscaping an entire community garden. Bids must be received by the end of February, You can bid by going to http://www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/20404.asp or filling in the enclosed form and bringing to the next meeting. 5