Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.

I live in a block of 4 flats with a communal stairwell.
Today the locks have been removed from the two stairwell exterior doors.
This has been done in the name of Health and Safety:rolleyes: on the grounds that it enables us to exit faster in case of fire.
It is a cheaper option that providing us with windows that will open wide enough to allow us to exit that way.

In doing this they have exposed us to a more probable threat of anti social behaviour.
There have been times when one of us four (a man with 'learning difficulties') has left a door unlocked at night.

He tends to wander outside at night in the early hours, and we have had overnight staircase squatters who leave us 'prezzies' - empty booze bottles !

This bring to mind my days of Social security visiting at the Shadsworth deck access flats when the stairwells there were an overnight home to drunks and druggies.

I will be making serious efforts to find alternative accommodation.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I live in the block as margaret and fully support her views.This blind adherence to stupid H@S causes people to die.Hyndburn homes did not consult,just a letter saying we are going to remove the door locks, end of story,no consultation,very little notice.In my opinion elderly and vulnerable are now more at risk than before.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

i used to live in a council flat that had a communal hallway that didnt have locks and kids would not only hang around in there playing music and drinking but on the odd occasion you could walk in on them having sex or taking drugs.

absolutely stupid for these locks to be removed especially as most residents in these flats are vulnerable or elderly.

the flat i had was in accy off dill hall lane about 15 years ago and they have since been demolished because of the problems they caused.One elderly woman was beaten up by a teenage couple after she walked in on them having sex in the hallway and told them to clear off

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

They could fit one way locks,Not very expensive but effective.:)

ie.you need a key to get in but not to get out.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

They should have fitted fire push bar type locks or just euro cylinder mortice locks with internal thumb turns so you can get out easily. They would replace the old mortice locks in your outside doors with only little work.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

You recall how last year a man with 'learning difficulties' was beaten up on the street in Ossy. That man is a friend of a man in this block and visits him often.

Vulnerable people are a magnet for young thugs to intimidate and 'have fun with'.
Within the last year a group of such thugs were standing on the roadway and were calling his name.
The doors were locked - now they can enter and stand at my, and his, front door in order to try to goad him to come out so they can have 'fun'.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I did not think your flats were specifically for people with learning difficulties. Maybe he is in the wrong accommodation.

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His mother will not like the idea of him moving out since she has just spent £3000 on having a new kitchen fitted - something that was scheduled for these flats 3 years ago and never happened.:rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Do Hyndburn Homes have any consumer panels? I am with Eaves Brook part of the Harvest Housing org. They involve customers and have loads of different panels and some residents are on the Harvest board.

If Hyndburn Homes did have such a policy to involve tenants maybe you could join one of them and make your voice heard.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I seriously doubt that the residents groups they have are anything more than a Google Page Ranking excercise. I am not well enough to dedicate time to them.
Hyndburn Homes regularly inundate us with glossy brochures telling us how wonderful they are - (wasting money) - I suppose if they tell us often enough some will believe it.

Their latest Google Page Ranking veture is 'become a secret shopper'
http://www.hyndburnhomes.co.uk/defau...73&fileid=1102
You will receive:
• a free training course and ongoing support
• all expenses paid when carrying out the role and help with any
childcare
• shopping vouchers
• experience for your CV

I am well aware that Twin Valley Homes provides a far better service to their tenants.
No doubt some HH homes have received the refurbishments that were sheduled for them - some haven't.

Maybe if they spent less on brochures saying how wonderful they are they may have cash to make a proper job of repairs and refurbishments.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

HH do mystery shopping aswell. I keep asking myself if the government hadn't told the Housing associations to involve customers more.

Would they involve customers more? I think probably not.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Hyndburn Homes recently funded an 'alcohol awareness' excercise
Contour Homes - Hyndburn Homes Social Housing, Regeneration and Community News & Events Details
...so the next alcoholic squatter on our staircase will be provided with the telephone contact number they supplied:rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

At twin valley homes our communal blocks have the one way locks so from the outside you need a key but not from the inside so can still exit quickly in an emergency.

We also have lots of resident assoc and can assure you if enough residents say they don't like something then it gets changed as it is measured towards our customer excellence award we go for every year!! We also have a couple of tenants who sit on the board where the final decision for anything is made.

I can't believe HH have just removed the locks, madness!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Margaret, looks like you should be looking for something with Twin Valley Homes.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

only if she wants to move to blackburn or darwen marg lol

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

She might want to HR......if HH can't get their act together!

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I am watching out (on BwithUs) for one of those flats at Huncoat (near my son) which have secure access. The last time one came available there were 93 applicants!

On another thread
http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ree-58435.html
a member here admired my view from my lounge - a slight move to the left shows this.
Note the rotting soffit board - renewal scheduled over a year ago - not done
....and the defunct sky dish and masses of ariel wiring that should have been removed when the (expensive £5 a week) communal ariels were erected last year.
(this failure to remove breaches the retrospective planning permission that was given when the new ariels were installed)


PS I have assumed battle stations haven't I :D - emailed the Observer - war progress will be updated here.:D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

That type were fitted Peter, and there were also key safes fixed outside each entrance, so I can't see what the problem was really, I know when we had a very undesirable tenant, living upstairs in our block it was a bloody nightmare, we started locking the doors to keep his hangers on coming round at all hours of the night. from my point of view I have had an intercom system fitted to my front door so I can monitor who is at the door ( I cant tell the JWs where to go without schlepping to the door now:D) its a very good thing for me, and I also have two key safes for the front door one for HH (warden service) and my own

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

The locks we had removed were conventional 5 lever mortice - don't know why yours were different.

Downstairs flats have exterior doorsafes, and there is also one outside the front exterior door which is now not needed.:rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

in haslingden old peoples flats theres an intercom ... the doors are locked at 4.30pm and after that if you are visiting someone then you have to use the intercom and they let you in ...

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Well the ones on my block you could unlock from the outside with a key and with just a thumb catch on the inside

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

These flats where Jaysay, Mez and I live are not restricted to 'old folk' occupancy, but in practice the ground floor flats are only allocated to the disabled - who are vulnerable whatever age they are.

It looks like Jaysay's locks should have stayed, and all of us should have them.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

when i first moved into mine the door leading out the back nearest to mine would not keep closed so i just used to lock it at night, but could not keep it closed during the day as the door would not stay shut & if you opened the front door that caused the back one to bang shut, so one of the residents keeps it open using folded up cardboards, & yes i came home today to find shavings on the floor & new handles on that door so im cleaning the communal area (downstairs only ) yet again i only did it sunday, am fed up of council workers in & out doing stuff & not cleaning up after themselves. yes margaret i feel vunerable here but have got my trusty sam :dogrun: who barks at the slightest thing so im not too bad .

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Margaret neither is the flats where I am either, there is a young lass lives above me and a couple in their mid to late 40s in the other upstairs flat and my other neighbour although a little older than me is very fit and gets about quite easily, But I agree its a nonsense, over reaction the the PC brigade, can't think in all the time I've lived on here that anybody has ever been trapped in their flat, its just daft to me

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

tend to agree with you both really, but the downstairs flat opposite me is empty & has been since last october but h/h men keep walking in & out doing whatever & off again its a real pain in neck they said 2 months ago that they were getting it ready for letting ..........oh .....forgot ...its hyndburn homes .

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

They appear to have altered their practice and only seem to do refurbishments when these flats are unoccupied. So at least you have a decent bathroom and kitchen.

They create havoc when they happen whilst you are still living in them, as I detailed in my thread -
http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...all-39508.html

After that traumatic month long episode I have decided that some unusable kitchen cupboards is a small price to pay for peace. I replaced the peeling cupboard doors at my own expense.
.....but that peace is now under threat with this latest charade today.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

A new ominous development -:mad:
When some workmen were removing locks this morning there was another workman on the landing with a stepladder messing with the stairwell light.
They sometimes do checks on them so I though nothing was amiss.

However - the landing stairwell light has not come on automatically (light sensored) at the same time that the street lights have.
The light in the downstairs passageway has lit, but the actual staircase is in dim light only and the landing is dark enough for any intruder to lie in wait for upstairs residents.
I hope this light switch off is accidental or the S.... is about to hit the fan!:mad:

There comes a time when cost cutting has to stop.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

There are now serious questions as regards Hyndburn homes being a responsible social landlord.Their attitude of total disregard for their elderly and vulnerable tenants needs to be examined.Glossy brochures and so called forums are not what people want,they want safe comfortable homes, not having their security taken away without resonable notice and no consultation as in the case of the door locks.Hyndburn homes seem to be moving into the rogue landlord class.

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The flat above me was empty for about 15 months Mez as I think you know, yet other flats have a two week turnround, strange

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

To be quite honest I actually think that Councils and housing associations are all running scared because of the risk factors, which in this case seems to be a nonsense, especially where the lighting is concerned, although it doesn't effect me its quite wrong to put people's perception of safety at risk, but I think that saying they are entering into the rogue landlord zone is a bit harsh really

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I deduce that flats are left empty because, until they have been refurbished to a set standard, they cannot be re-let.
It appears to matter not that many are living in flats below that standard.
The published promised programme of works to bring them to that standard has been abandoned.
However, the way they go about doing refurbs is traumatic for residents, as my month long experience of my disabled shower install showed me.

Obviously HH is so strapped for cash that they can do not much more than fulfil obligations relating to Health and safety, and the solve those in the cheapest possible way.
Hence -remove locks instead of replace locks.

I have had no response yet to my repair report of the landing light off last night.
If it was a deliberate cost saving excercise, they have shot themselves in the foot, by creating a safety hazard

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I was talking to someone who lives in the flats near Rhyddings school, and the same thing has happened there, to the flats that share a communal hallway.

Ridiculous, and most certainly comprimises the security of residents.

Why have they only decided now, that it's a saftety issue?

As Harwood Red posted, if there's a fear of ease of access they should replace the locks similar to the ones in Blackburn, not leave the flats open to any passing undesirable.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

This post Margaret has just reminded me about the flat opposite me, a chap moved out because he got beat up with some yobs creating a nuisance, as I said this is one were the turn round was very quick. However, it appears that the guy who got the flat was promised a wet room, much the same that you wanted (although this is a ground floor flat, which I'm wondering if it makes a difference) from what I hear on the grapevine, this chap kicked up such a stick when he'd only been in a very short time, that he now has a nice new wet room:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: now let me see whats HH telephone number;) I've only been in my flat 21 years:D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Some scrap metal yard is about to get a lorry load of mortice locks.
They can't sell them on ebay because they forgot to ask residents for the keys:rolleyes::D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

PS I didn't get a wet room - just a shower stall with a tiled step into it - incidentally I stubbed my slippered toe against the step recently and two tiles came off.
I paid for my replacement radiator, shower head and floorcovering.
I had waited three years for that shower.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Why would that stop them?

Have you had a response from them yet?

Have you contacted your local councillor about this?

Everyone who lives in one of the flats should do both.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

My neighbour (member b rawlinson) has contacted our local councillor and G Jones. I have contacted Accy observer. We are co-ordinating efforts.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

You need everyone to contact them all. More voices the better. HH wont like the massive number of complaints

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

B Rawlinson knows many people on this (John St) estate and says more than just us has contacted the local councillor.
He has been told of an elderly lady who has been burgled 3 times and is distraught

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Hyndburn Homes is now part of Symphony Housing Group after the merger of its parent company Contour Housing Group with Vicinity Housing Group, shown here -
Contact us

I have telephoned Salford and was fobbed off - "ring our call centre number 03456021102"
I couldn't resist but ask 'Does it happen to be in India?'
answer 'No they are sat here next to me'
so I request 'transfer this call please'
answer 'I can't there is a queue':rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Dave is gonna love this one :D

As well as funding 'alcohol awareness'(mentioned earlier), they have installed a new kitchen at Maundy Grange - free of course.

Contour Homes - Hyndburn Homes Social Housing, Regeneration and Community News & Events Details

Conclusion -
Public image matters more than tenants needs - and they actually pay a public relations firm - the more I delve the more sordid it gets :(

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Somethings puzzling me about all this, face ache used to be employed by Hyndburn at the Cannon St offices of Hyndburns Housing department, suddenly all the housing stock and the employees were moved to the Globe center, as Hundburn Homes.
Now you say they have merged with another company. So who do the actual houses belong to, Hyndburn Council ?, or Hyndburn Homes ?.
If they now belong to H.H., what happened to the money from the sale of these houses.
Retlaw

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I don't know the financial details of the hand over, but that is a sidetrack to what is happening now.
The housing association has had two mergers since it originated -
Hyndburn Homes absorbed by Contour Housing
Contour Housing recently absorbed by Symphony Housing Group

So Symphony Housing is the owner

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

PS this map shows that the Hyndburn Homes subsiduary is the largest number of houses of all the areas where they operate with the sole exception of Liverpool

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I was waiting outside the Post Office today, in Accrington's Maundy Model Village.

In the five minutes I was waiting outside, I was approached and asked -

If I had a light.

For a cigarette.

If I could 'lend' someone a couple of quid.

Most oddly, and very aggressively, if I was a cop, and then a pig.

Perhaps they wanted the money to buy some flowers, to decorate the new kitchen.

Well done to all the tennants of Hyndburn Homes, who have provided their nice new kitchen.

Somewhere nice to cook the crack cocaine.

:rolleyes:

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I think this is dreadful, Margaret, and sure you will get it sorted. Know once you get your teeth into something, will not rest until you have had your fill ... as with the Pooh Bins.

I would be scared everytime I came out of my door wondering if some 'no-gooders' were lingering on the stairwell. Best of luck with this.

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When did this happen?

Who got them back out?

Hope she rinsed 'em off, before poppin' 'em back in.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...kStn4w_WLlKb3J

:D

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Thanks for your concern and good wishes.
So you remember the dog bin saga:D - my 5 minutes of fame.
Well it looks like I am to be blessed with another 5 minutes - Ev Telegraph have interviewed 'b rawlinson' and I, by phone and will be visiting, with photographer, this weekend.

I feel like a pit bull who is teeth into something juicy - I wont let go.
Websearching statutory obligations of Housing Associations at the mo.

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Noticed 'Telegraph Reporter' was logged in early afternoon ... just had the feeling was about this :thumbsup:

Thing is, Margaret, if they get away with it .. will affect all their properties in the future. A story where I feel no-one will disagree with you.

Re. the satellite dish.. yes, you are correct ... they did state on their retrospective Planning Application that they had removed all the old ones ... this had obviously been missed (or not). Needs sorting.

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As with the poop bins, what they've done is wrong.

I've no doubt with your determined involvement things will be rectified...sharpish.

More power to you.

I know you can't, but if you stood for the council, you'd get my vote.

I admire your grit, and gusto, when battling against something that is wrong.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Not only the security of tenants, you would think they would wish to prevent their property from any damage by intruders too... crazy.

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I have investigated what constitutes the 'Decent Standard' to which housing association homes should have achieved by 2010.
This government doc details what is 'a decent home'
http://www.communities.gov.uk/docume...pdf/138355.pdf

"5.18 The ages used to define the ‘modern’ kitchen and bathroom are less than those for the
disrepair criterion. This is to take account of the modernity of kitchens and bathrooms,
as well as their functionality and condition. This principle was agreed with local
authority representatives during the consultation on the formulation of the MRA
allocations. This allows for dwellings to be improved to a more modern standard
than would simply be achieved by applying the disrepair criterion."


Annex A of that document shows that kitchens and roofs over 30 yrs old and bathrooms over 40 years must be replaced.
These flats were built early 70s so are nearing 40. I could tell by the chipboard/melamine faced kitchen cupboard doors I replaced that they were worn 'threadbare' and likely original.

and
Decent Homes Standard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The last Audit Commission report was in 2008 and gave them a score of 1 (fair)
Zero would have been poor - 3 would have been good.

"Hyndburn Homes provides a 'fair' service with 'promising' prospects for improvement, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission. On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the organisation a 'fair' one-star rating, because of improving customer focus and local access to services. The investment programme to improve homes to a decent homes standard is being delivered on time although some major investment decisions still have to be taken."

Ref 'promising' they are good at that!:rolleyes:

Hyndburn Homes delivering 'fair' service to tenants - Audit Commission
"However it also highlights some areas where improvement is needed:

The service providing aids and adaptations for people suffering a disability is poor, with confusing information and access arrangements
Limited work has been undertaken to improve the local environment
There are a number of properties with a low level of thermal efficiency, requiring people on low incomes to spend a significant proportion of their income on adequately heating their home
The lack of a comprehensive maintenance programme, for example covering painting
Little work has been carried out to ensure policies and procedures provide fair and equal levels of service

The inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:

Improving the way assets are managed and maintained
Improving value for money
Improving performance in delivering aids and property adaptations.
Ensuring services meet the diverse needs of all tenants"

From looking at what they should have done, what they promised to do, with what they have actually done, it is clear to me that an audit commission report now would be 'zero'.

The flats have been neglected - we have not had 'fair and equal levels of service'

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Good luck with your battle.

Hyndburn Homes seem pretty agressive on the phone in this video.

‪Hyndburn Homes Impersonating The Constabulary part I‬‏ - YouTube

I think the video poster was a old member.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I think that video does nothing to support the cause in this thread.

I am glad he doesn't live next door to me

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Having listened to a few further videos, I concur.

‪Lifeinthemix's Channel‬‏ - YouTube

(Sorry for the thread wander.)

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Life in the mix that seems to ring a bell;)

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The standards that housing associations are required to meet is regulated by The Tenant Services Authority, and the TSA monitor their performance
http://www.tenantservicesauthority.o...show/nav.14449

They operate alongside the Audit Commission and have the power to inspect the practices operating in any housing association where failure to meet standards has occurred.
They appear to have quite a bit of 'muscle' -
"Registered providers of social housing will have to meet our standards. Where they don’t, we will expect speedy self-improvement and where this is insufficient we have a new range of enforcement powers to ensure that tenants get the service they deserve."

"Quality of accommodation

Required outcomes
Registered providers shall:

• ensure that tenants’ homes meet the standard set out in section 5 of the Government’s Decent Homes Guidance by 31 December 2010 and continue to maintain their homes to at least this standard after this date
• meet the standards of design and quality that applied when the home was built, and were required as a condition of publicly funded financial assistance, if these standards are higher than the Decent Homes Standard
• in agreeing a local offer, ensure that it is set at a level not less than these standards and have regard to section 6 of the Government’s Decent Homes Guidance

Specific expectations
The TSA may agree with a registered provider an extension to the 31 December 2010 date where this is reasonable. Providers shall ensure their tenants are aware of the reasons for any extension given."


Since I am now aware that many of our homes have not been brought up to the 'Decent Homes Standard' by the Dec 2010 deadline, Hyndburn Homes must have been granted an extension.
requote -
"Providers shall ensure their tenants are aware of the reasons for any extension given"
I do not recall being provided with any reasons why the programme of proposed improvement work, which was supplied to me a few years ago, hasn't happened.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

When I saw the name Lifeinthemix I gave it a wide berth.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Why replace a roof just because it is 30 years old. Mine is original and about 3 times as old

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I have had no explanation why my landing light is still off, so they are keeping me in the dark still ;). It happened concurrently with the lock removal so I suspect ulterior motives.as I usually do;)

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Cos the roof on houses like yours was slate n made to last?:rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Welsh slate lasts a lifetime - concrete tiles crack with weathering.
Soon after I moved in I had a massive leak -it filled a bucket in my lounge.
They slapped a bit of cement on up there, but didn't replace the bulging ceiling plasterboard - but that was before HH took over from HBC.

...incidentally my walls and ceilings are wallpaper directly applied to plasterboard - no plaster! = 'jerry built'
....and the wall between my bedroom and the stairwell is single brick, hence no insulation possible.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

margaret (r) the communal light in my block was flashing like crazy from wednesday evening last week, i rang them on monday & was repaired by thursday this week same day as they took the locks out, iv'e been wondering why 2 men with the yellow waistcoat type jackets keep going into the flat opposite, im wondering if they are doing some sort of tests in there, looking for what ican't think can you ?

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

errr..terrace stone built with slate roof, or prefab concrete build with tiles:o no brainer:eek:

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well it is neil.:D:D:D:D

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The meter that records the usage (and bill) for the two stairwell lights is likely housed in that flat opposite you. It is that way in this block.
The man who moved in below me was confused by having two meters until I reasoned that by tracing the wiring so we could find out which was his meter.


Last week we had two men subcontracted by HH to examine stairwells. They also looked in lofts seeking asbestos. The old exhaust pipes from the previous gas warm air system are still in the loft and they bagged samples and said they suspected asbestos.
So - if this indicates a plan to reroof (which they said it was) asbestos removal will increase costs and further postpone it

PS just thought of another complication that could affect reroofing - your block has an owner occupier likely still using gas warm air so they can't remove that one.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

see below

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

oppps

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

the meter for the lights must be in my shed margaret ive followed the wiring from the light, heaven help them if they want to get in my shed, still got boxes unpacked in there plus xmas stuff ha ha

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Now and again you will have a meter reader wanting access.
They keep trying to read the one in this block but he is out most of the time so they must be estimating all time. Usage anually should be the same every year, just varies seasonally with lighting up time.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Suspicious minds an Elvis favorite Margaret:D

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Concrete, you should coco:D

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What makes you think that these flats are all brick - a brick facing covering grey block is standard building practice.
I wouldn't contemplate buying one of these flats -
...warped window sills
...broken window handles
...hardboard panel doors
...the lack of plaster on the plasterboard
...no insulation in the panels under the windows
...no insulation on the wall adjoining the stairwell
...bare concrete stair access (I painted the steps with floor paint)
...a kitchen you cant swing a cat round in
...boxed in, surface mounted, piping for the central heating (at ceiling level would you believe:rolleyes:)

The only advantage of the flat I am in is location

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

They're not all brick in fact at all the interiors are studded partitions and the huge front panel is wood in a lot of cases. Margaret they don't use plaster on plasterboard these days either, the joints are sealed and papered over and apart from the floors no concrete

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

When you think about it, any refurbishing they do is just surface gloss on a substandard structure. They are flimsy boxes.
I have to correct the positioning of pictures on my walls because closing a door shakes the walls. That heavy machinery passing to the football field causes my furniture to shake.

The removal of security is like the last straw - I call this my 'council cave' - now the boulder at the entrance has gone :D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Could I suggest an AK47 and a box of hand grenades Margaret, that should ease your fears:D:D

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If I get a landing squatter, I propose to use my portable gas canister shrill personal security alarm, and I happen to have an axe which I will relocate to the hallway.


ps note to self - must websearch the Lizzie Borden case :D

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Its not what they are built with that is the problem but the lack of basic maintenance. Look at the picture of the rotting wood posted above.

Replacement of roof and kitchen etc should not be on a time period but when required is what I was getting at. If the roof is sound why waste money replacing it when the interiors need doing?

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I don't like the way they fitted central heating and the lack of gas in some of the flats is poor as electric central heating is expensive. I think yours will be gas though as you had probably had the naf warm air rubbish before so you are lucky.

The lack of insulation is easily sorted on a referb and i think the kitchens are big enough for a small flat, is it only one bedroom?

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Update -
The company who erected the ariels and who should have removed the old ariels has gone into liquidation.

Tenants in one area of this estate who have had serious antisocial behaviour problems are raising a petition and arranging a meeting in a community hall and have requested a HH representative to attend
and have said 'we want the organ grinder not the monkey'

Lancs Ev Tel are coming tomorrow

The natives are restless - there's trouble at t'mill:D

As for the size of the kitchen -
I have a fridge freezer, a (half size drum) washing machine and a small dishwasher.
I have had the washer plumbed in in a walk in cupboard and have no space for a tumble dryer. Whether a kitchen is practical depends on the layout. I have an unusable base corner unit - it is 100cm wide but the one door to get in it is only 40cm - 60cm of wasted space there. One wall cupboard has only the bottom half usable because the top half cannot be reached (I am 5'6") To improvise for the shortage of work surfaces I have a large wooden chopping board which fits over the sink.

PS how do you insulate a single brick wall(no cavity)?

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Well I have to say Margaret, apart from the security aspect, which is a total dogs breakfast, I don't really have any complains about my flat, really, its fully double glazed, there was cavity wall insulation carried out some years ago, I would say ten, the air blow central heating was replaced by conventional radiator system about 4 years ago, which is certainly cheaper, my shower isn't bad, although a wet room would be better now I'm not that mobile, the kitchens okay, mind you I'm not a woman, so I can't really comment, but overall I'm quite happy with it really

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I have been browsing properties to rent locally for a while now. The security and the views that this flat provided were its only assets - now both are gone (that football pavilion is enormous)

The refurbishments that have been done to many private landlord properties are to a far higher standard than HH provide. The location dictates the price but I am capable of paying more to have a desirable place to live. I have been registered on BwithUs for two years and today have registered with 3 letting agencies.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Will be sad to see you go Margaret:s_cry::s_cry::foryou::D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

You dryline the wall using insulated plasterboard. You would lose between 2" and 4" depending on how thick the insulation is that is bonded to the taper edge board. No need to plaster just paper over it.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

So it is possible for Hyndburn Homes to just that on the stairwell side of the wall and so improve the appearance of the bare brick there is now.
It would also absorb some of the noise in the stairwell, which is another nuisance.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

You don't want plasterboard on the outside of the flats. It would be better to paint the stairwell walls with an off white stone paint which would help reduce the gloominess and use the insulated plasterboard on the inside walls when they do the renovation works.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

The stairwell is not exposed to the elements, and could be done without any disruption to residents.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Its harder to do as well compared to the inside wall

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Personally think taking the outside locks off is an absolute disgrace :mad: From a personal point of view would recommend looking at "Harvest Homes", can't find a fault with the accommodation that I live in. Yes the rent might seem high but when you take into account all the added extras, ie the central heating and laundry costs are added to service charges (which are in with the rent). The only other outgoings are T.V. Licensee £7:50 per year and your quarterly elec bill.
Bearing all that in mind I know where I would rather live, oh and by the way this complex has had double glazing and new kitchens fitted in the last couple of years and is due for bathroom refurbs in the not to distant future.
Just have a look round, I'm sure you would be surprised at how nice it is

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

I have browsed the Harvest Homes website. It is a name new to me but then I saw the name Eavesbrook which I was aware of.(amalgamation happened there too)
I found the page about 'apply for a home' and it directed me to BwithUs, which I'm already registered with and watching weekly.

Whilst on their website, I looked around it and, noticed to their credit, that they have advised their tenants of the existence of The Tenant Service Authority and its regulatory power over them.

Hyndburn Homes website doesn't -(or should that be 'daren't' ?):rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

They may have removed the mention of the TSA as it is due to be abolished but can't remember the exact date but some time next year if I remember right

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Sad news - will any statutory body replace it or are housing associations getting '007' status:rolleyes:

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

PS - the Hyndburn Homes website has never mentioned TSA.
I only found out it exists when I wanted to find out if their conduct had been examined anywhere.

Lancs Ev Tel photographer has visited - 'reporter will phone you'

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

There is no way anybody would use dry walling in a communal place Margaret, because of the wear and tear, the world and his wife use communal areas, and there would be holes everywhere, example a postie carrying a full bag upstairs, its totally uneconomical and never used anywhere

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Impractical? - no
Available? - yes - melamine board mounted on studwork with insulation in the gap.
Exterior Wall Panels - China Anti-Fade Melamine Board,Trespa,Exterior Decoration Materials in Other Building & Decoration Materials
The favourable combination of flexural strength and elasticity make the panel material highly impact resistant. It is therefore highly suitable for application in environments that are exposed to vandalism.Graffiti can easily be removed without altering the properties of Melamine board.
Safe fire behaviour:
In a fire, Melamine board does not melt, drip or explode and retains its stability for a long time.
Key European testing bodies have awarded Melamine board FR grade the most favourable classifications for organic material fire behaviour.

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Margaret, believe me, when you've actually tried it it is very very impractical, Melamine Board is a totally different thing all together its not plasterboard, seeing we were talking about drywalling which you brought up, in as much as you said, there's not much plaster used on the walls, you've moved the goal posts:confused::confused::confused: Having said that are you sure you were never a politician:D:D:D

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Insulation to a single brick wall in a heavily trafficked area is possible.
It was Neil who suggested internal fibreboard/plasterboard.
This alternative is the solution - why didn't one of you chaps consider it?

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

it will be replaced up to now by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). This will supposedly give more powers to local gvt to again have more say over local housing... how this will work with all the other changes too I don't know

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

Thanks for the valuable and useful info you are supplying - karma sent

Re: Hyndburn Homes - security compromised.
 

The new government body (mentioned by Harwood Red) will still be monitoring the backlog of homes which have not achieved th Decent Homes Standard

Existing stock | Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)
"Meeting the Decent Homes Standard

The 2010 Spending Review settlement made £1.6bn available to local authority landlords - including those with housing stock managed by ALMOs - to help tackle the backlog of homes that are not meeting the Decent Homes Standard. A total of 46 local authority and ALMO landlords will receive backlog funding over the next four years to help refurbish around 150,000 homes.

The Government also allocated another £510m to fund the existing Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) Gap Funding Programme. Twenty-four stock transfer organisations will benefit from this additional gap funding, which will contribute towards the cost of bringing poor value housing transferred from local authorities up to the Decent Homes Standard.
Our role

We administer the Decent Homes Backlog Programme on behalf of our sponsor department, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), assessing funding bids from local authorities before making recommendations to ministers on allocations. We continue to work with landlords to maximise the impact of the available funding through our enabling role, helping them to complete their Decent Homes programmes as quickly and cost effectively as possible."