Langwood Residents’ Association: Your Views

 Dear Resident,

 Two thirds of you replied to our survey, thank you. The Committee reviewed the results on Sunday 7 March 2004.

 Common Areas

 The survey revealed strong support for replacing the common area doors and windows and fair support for introducing security to the doors.  

We have decided to go ahead with the windows. The money is in place (about £5000) and the work should be done later this year. It is also intended that we should proceed with replacing the doors and to take the opportunity to build in some security but there are problems.  

Replacing the doors and their frames with hardwood is very expensive as, probably, they would have to be purpose made. It is complicated by the fact that one of the doors (in block 1/9) has a window attached to it. We’ve been advised that upvc doors would not be sufficiently robust. Aluminium doors might be an alternative but the level of security they offer is in doubt. As to locks we are looking into a wireless system – that is like a telephone entry system but without all the wires. Again cost could be an issue. So the position is that we are committed to replacing the doors and have money ear marked for it but are still working on the details. If you have any ideas or comments they would be most welcome.

 It has been suggested that the common area doors and flat doors be made accessible by a single key with a master key being held by our MA. However it is felt that the few benefits this would offer would not outweigh the costs and loss of privacy implied. 

Flat Doors. 

In the survey opinion was roughly equally divided between those who favour replacing the doors and those who favour repainting the existing doors. 

Repainting is an economic option. We have been quoted £30 per door. Obviously replacing the doors would be much more expensive. Double glazing companies provide doors between £250 and £700. However, as we live in flats, new doors might have to meet the latest building regulations for fire resistance etc and that could mean upvc doors are not an option. It was also apparent from your replies that not everyone thinks that all the doors need be identical but what would a mixture of types, styles, colours and qualities do for the flats overall. Ultimately the landlord will have to make a decision and at the moment it looks as though whichever way it went some people would be unhappy.

 No final decisions have yet been made but we have decided to do more work on this problem and to conduct a further survey of opinion to try to get a clear picture of what people want and what they would be prepared to pay.

Car Parking.  

Most people responding felt that resurfacing the car parks was a low priority or not required at all. We have no plans to take any action on this in the near future. It will need to be done eventually but will be expensive so we will give consideration to starting a special fund for it that could be built up over a number of years.

 Similarly, increasing parking space was generally seen as a low priority or not required. It is true that the demand is ever increasing with more occupiers having a car and more having two cars but with overflow space presently available in Langwood Gardens and Grandfield Avenue the problem isn’t urgent. Present difficulties could be eased, of course, if more people used their garages for parking (especially those with two vehicles).

 Most people felt little need to improve lighting in the car parks but we know it is a particular concern for some residents. We’ve yet to identify a cost effective solution but will keep it under review. Any suggestions would be welcome. 

Fencing the boundaries.

 There was very little support for this proposal. As well as being costly this would radically alter the appearance of the whole site. However, there was some support for placing hedges or bushes on some of the borders with the aim of better defining the property and deterring trespassers. Naturally this would involve cost and would not be guaranteed to deter the more persistent trespassers. Similarly, putting a gate on the Langley Road entrance (a suggestion considered last year) would not be a certain deterrent. No action is proposed on these matters.

 Lawns.

 Most replies placed a medium or low priority on this issue but we have decided to go ahead with it this year. As there is support for doing it at some stage and given that the money is in the current budget and because if left it will only get worse this seems sensible. 

Nesting Boxes.

 It has been suggested that we consider putting nesting boxes in our trees for the local bird population. Many different birds already grace our grounds and it might be nice to encourage more. It would be fairly cheap.  We could put up a variety of styles (either bought or home made) to suit different birds. What do you think of the idea?