Trouble up Top

Owners of flats in Frans Hals Court are facing what could be substantial bills for the repair to its roof. Notice was given to flat owners in a recent letter from the managing agent.

The letter explained that, "the reasons for these works are that there has been significant ongoing water penetration into two flats in this block."

Frans Hals Court's roof has two pairs of gables. Between each pair is a metal flat roof area. Both metal roof areas need to be replaced. The only other block that has a similar roof is 65-85 Amsterdam Road which has not been surveyed.

Tender Document

The next step is for a tender request document to be drawn up and sent to potential contractors. This will be done under the direction of Charles Scott Consulting Engineers. It will not be until tenders are received from the contractors that the actual cost of the repairs will be known.

Costs

For the normal maintenance events, such as internal decoration and external painting, there are Sinking Funds to cover the eventual cost. In the case of unexpected roof repairs, such as this, no such Sinking Fund exists so the cost must be met in one tranche.

When the tenders are received, owners of Frans Hals Court properties will be informed of the tender details including the tendered amounts. It may be possible for the Board of the management company to allow the charges to owners to be spread over a limited period. This would, however, depend on the total cost and the amount held in reserve by the company.

How many men does it take to install a litter bin?

Three - Two to watch and one to kiss it goodbye.

Following the replacement of the benches on the river walkway, the Council has now installed new wastepaper bins.

This is to be supported, for sure, but past experience has shown that the Council rarely empties them and they often end up floating in the river. Perhaps, that is why it is being kissed goodbye. Actually, the workmen pictured here are taking trouble to bolt them firmly to the ground. I am sure we all hope that that is where they stay.

New feature:

Work in Progress?

The maintenance schedule for London Yard is now available on this website. (see right hand panel)

So, if you want to know when your block is due to be painted or what has caused the delay, just click on link in the right-hand column. Also, will that tear in the Vermeer Court canopy ever be fixed, or what's the current position on CCTV and satellite TV? This information will be kept up to date as, and when, details can be prised from your elected Board members.

If you are an owner of property in Frans Hals Court, Vermeer Court and the smaller blocks in Amsterdam Road, it is worth a look.

Lost Minutes. The annual general meeting of the London Yard Management Company is supposed to happen in early December. In three of the last four years it has been delayed until late January because of the accounts not being ready. New excuse this year - the director who took the minutes at the last AGM has disappeared to darkest Scotland. That should cut the next meeting down by two-thirds.

Walkway Benches.

It has been reported that the Council's action in installing new benches on the river walkway was not totally altruistic. Rumour has it that they were threatened by a old lady resident who prefers to remain anonymous.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine.

It has been known for two years that there was a problem with the roof of Frans Hals Court. Action was deferred in the vain hope that the cost of scaffolding could be shared with the external painting project. Residents are wondering whether the problem worsened in that time. However, a source close to the surveyor thinks this unlikely to have made a difference.