Dated 1st August 2004
The Residents’ Association welcomes everyone’s contribution. If you have a problem, suggestion or news please contact a Committee member. They are: Jim Hurson (flat 6) Shirley Batten-Smith (flat 7) Syd Hall (flat 9) and Paul Ryzman (flat 11)
Also on the committee are the Directors of Langwood Residents Association Ltd who are:
Tony Batten-Smith (flat 7) Alan Goodridge (flat 21) and Stephanie Beardsworth (flat 22).
Our Managing Agent is Dennis Brooke of Qualitas telephone: 01923 211331
The following items were considered at the latest meeting.
Banner Homes.
A fresh planning application for 59-63 Langley Rd and 1 Langwood Gardens has been received at the Town Hall. It is a modified form of the one that was declined by the Council earlier this year (and which is subject to appeal). It is clearly the result of discussions between Banner and Council officers and seeks to address some of the previous concerns with fewer dwellings and more space between its buildings and those in Pinewood Close. However, our objections to the proximity of the new buildings to the site boundary and parking issues in Langwood Gardens remain.
The new plan envisages double yellow lines on both sides of Langwood Gardens as far as the electricity sub station to allow better vehicular access to the site. Banner say the displaced parking (7 spaces) can be accommodated further down Langwood Gardens and in Pinewood and Maple Close. A letter will be sent re-iterating our objections.
Inside.
Following the re-sealing of the floors in the common areas, the lights and walls remain to be cleaned.
The first floor window in block 10/22 that doesn’t close is to be referred to the contractor.
Tenders have been put out for the external doors and they may be fitted without any security features pending decisions on what is proving to be more complicated than it first appeared.
The exterior redecoration is still in the planning stage.
Outside.
Changes to the exterior lighting are still being delayed by problems in finding suitable fixtures.
The new gate will be ordered this week and should be delivered within the following 3 weeks and is to be erected by the firm that does our gardening.
Apology.
Last week a water pipe serving block 10/22 burst and an emergency repair was initiated. However residents were not told in advance that their water would be turned off. Fortunately the repair was effected quickly but steps will be taken to ensure that a proper warning of interruption to services is given in future. This will include the repairs to the main for block 1/9 is scheduled for 2 weeks time. Meanwhile an apology is offered to all those who were inconvenienced.
Car Parking.
The concrete surface of the small car park is beginning to break up so the feasibility of putting down some asphalt is being considered. But this is only a possibility at this stage as it is outside the budget and could not be done before next year at the earliest. No decisions have been taken yet.
Walls.
Also being considered as a possibility for the future is cavity wall insulation. This is a relatively cheap process that dramatically reduces the amount of heat lost through the walls and would reduce condensation problems. It is claimed that the cost of the work would be repaid in lower energy costs in three or four years. Again, no decisions have been taken yet.
Next Meeting: Sunday, 5th September 2004 at 10.30 in flat no. 7
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