Dated 8th January 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 door security
This issue continues to be debated. The problem is that opinion is divided. Some see a significant risk and are prepared to pay whatever the cost. Others see little or no risk and feel any expenditure would be wasted.
There is no way to guarantee security but at present there is none beyond your flat door. The more secure and flexible solutions are the more expensive ones whereas cheaper solutions offer less security and some inconvenience. A compromise seems the obvious answer but carries with it the danger of satisfying no one.
Currently the committee is considering introducing a cheap solution that could be enhanced later. The idea is to put locks on all four doors that will operate automatically at night (say 2200 to 0600) when a key would be required to open them. At other times the doors would be open.
The advantages are a) that there will be a reasonable degree of security at night b) it is cheap (approx. £500) c) we have the money already d) further improvements could be added later.
The disadvantages are a) they add no security during the day b) everyone will have to have a key c) for emergency access at night (for example, if you call for an ambulance) you’ll need to arrange for the doors to be opened (perhaps, if you are alone) by calling a neighbour for help.
So what do you think? Please make your views on this idea known to a member of the committee as soon as you can.
Trees
Work is about to begin (subject to town hall consent) on some urgently required running repairs on various trees.
Gutters
Final tweaking has been completed but if you spot a leak or overflow or other problem please contact Dennis.
Wall
The wall on the Langley Road/Langwood Gardens corner has been repaired.
A helping handle
Now that the block doors open outwards, one of the two handles fixed to the wall by the door to block 1/9 is redundant It will be moved to block 10/22 to help people there to negotiate their steps.
The Swamp
The section of ground between the kitchens of flats 10 and 12 that carries the path between the blocks never gets the sun and never dries out. Residents have tried planting specialist shrubs but the problem remains and was exacerbated by the burst water main and the cherry picker. Dennis has been asked to look into possible solutions and report back.
Syd
If you see a man doing callisthenics in the gardens don’t panic. It’s only Syd working on his return to fitness campaign! Happily his op was a success and he’ll soon be back in harness. Well done Syd.
Next Meeting:
Sunday, 5th February 2006 at 10.30 at flat no.9.
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