Dated 6th February 2005
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.
Abandoned car
No one admitted to owning the Volvo in the main car park and the police have no interest in it so it looks as though we will have to pay (approx. £50) to have it removed.
Consideration is being given to displaying a notice of charges for unauthorised parking, perhaps £75 per day. The idea is that if we have to move dumped cars in the future we will have a charge to offset against any later claim from the vehicle owner, should such a claim arise.
Meanwhile, if you see someone dumping a car please suggest that they leave it in the road so that the Council will collect it and spare us the cost.
Car Parking
There was a lengthy discussion of the current and anticipated problems and the possible solutions. The general feeling, notwithstanding the present difficulties, was that no action should be taken before the double yellow lines appear in Langwood Gardens. At that time those who park there now will be forced to re-consider their options and the pattern of parking on-site will change. Once the nature of that change becomes clear it will be easier to see what sort of solution is most appropriate. At present the feeling is that any solution needs to be user-friendly and cost effective and that any sacrifice of garden for concrete should be the very last resort.
Meanwhile, please put your car in the garage if you can and please park in front of your garage doors if you can do so without inconveniencing others.
External Lights
Two of the older lights have failed recently and their re-placement has been agreed.
Insurance
The insurance of the blocks is now with Group Armour.
Satellite TV services.
As you know the lease bans the erection of satellite dishes and other aerials. Cable tv is available (from Ntl) provided the external cables are installed behind down pipes. Recently, dissatisfaction with the Ntl service has led some residents to consider the possibility of transferring to a Sky satellite system. The committee wants to know how many flats might be interested in this idea.
At present, Ntl offer a basic package of tv and radio channels and a telephone line. There is no separate rental charge for the phone line – you just pay for the calls and there is a choice of tariffs. It also includes some Internet access and email. Above that you can pay extra for more channels (including Sky tv) and for a broadband connection to the Internet. Ntl service the system for free but some Langwood users have been disappointed by the speed and quality of that service and also feel that the charges for broadband and for telephone calls are not competitive.
It has been suggested that we could make Sky satellite service available to anyone who might want it by installing a dish on the roof of each block (probably attaching it to the existing mast). We are assuming that it would be the standard 60cm dish. It isn’t clear whether the signal could be carried to each flat via the existing aerial cables or whether additional (external) cables might be required. If there were a big up take-up this installation would be free and if smaller then a small rental charge (perhaps £1 per week) would arise for those opting in. On top of that there be a charge for a decoder in your flat and the Sky tv and broadband charges. Sky does not offer a telephone service but a BT line gives access to many providers.
What do you think? Would it be a good idea to make the Sky option available? What do you think about fixing a satellite dish on the roof or more cables on the walls? Do you want more information before deciding? Please pass on your views and/or concerns to a member of the committee a soon as possible or come to the next meeting.
Next Meeting: Sunday, 6th March 2005 at 10.30in flat no.6.
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