Dated 5th February 2006
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.
Block security
Thanks to those who have indicated their views on this issue. However, there is still no consensus.
In an attempt to make progress it has been decided that at the company AGM in May the Directors will seek the authority of the shareholders to use company funds (ie the ground rent) to meet the cost of introducing security measures. It has yet to be decided what system would be most appropriate. Nothing has been ruled out but taking no action seems increasingly unlikely.
Water woes
A serious problem has arisen in one of the first floor flats that unfortunately could occur in any flat.
One of the pipes that carries water under mains pressure through the concrete floor has failed causing substantial damage to the flat below. Although the precise cause is not known it is suspected that it is a copper pipe that has been corroded by the concrete through which it runs. If that is so then clearly it could happen in any flat.
As there is no map of the pipe work in the floors it is not a practical proposition to dig into the floor to find the site of the leak. The solution has been to isolate the pipe and by pass it with a new pipe above the floor. As these pipes are demised to the flat the cost has to be borne by the flat owner. However, the cost damage to the flat and the other flat affected should be covered by contents insurance.
It is strongly recommended that you make sure you have suitable contents insurance. You should also ensure that you (or your tenants if you have them) know where the stopcock is and check that it works.
The swamp
The solution to this problem seems to be replacing the grass with an area of paving surrounded by a (decorative) gravel border to assist drainage. A quote is being sought.
The new gate
The second gate that is to be erected near the small car park is being made and its installation is imminent.
Tree work
The urgent work was complete last week. There is further work to be done but it is not urgent and will be included in the budget for completion next year.
Next Meeting:
Sunday, 5th March 2006 at 10.30 in flat no.9.
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