London,
02
October
2017
|
13:46
Europe/London

Update on works at the Chalcots Estate

Cladding and insulation work

The cladding on the Chalcots Estate needs to be removed as quickly as possible and we want to do it with minimal disruption to our residents.

At the moment our contractors are removing cladding from the lower floors of the blocks so that we can do some checks before we take off the rest of the cladding. These initial works require the use of scaffolding and specialist abseilers.

The full removal of the cladding is a large technical operation that will start in October, and we estimate will take until at least December to complete. Rather than scaffolding for this part of the job, they will use rising platforms called mast climbers to remove the cladding panels.

We know that removing the cladding may mean the insulation to homes is less effective. We are looking at ways to minimise heat loss and we will work to make sure residents don’t lose out because of this.

Cladding removal

A specialist architect and design team have been appointed to investigate the best option for Chalcots once the cladding is taken off.

We will keep residents informed throughout the process and they will have the chance to have their say about the future options. We will be holding an all-day and evening event on Tuesday 31 October and we will be writing to Chalcots residents with more details shortly.

Parking

In order to safely remove the cladding we need to install mast climbers. Unfortunately this will require residents to remove their cars from the estate’s underground parking bays by Wednesday 4 October. Our parking team will be contacting residents shortly. If we need to make use of your parking bay, you will be able to park in the controlled parking zones on the street for the period of the closure.

Replacement fire doors

Many residents have already booked in appointments for us to fit their new front door. The new enhanced fire safety doors provide up to 60 minutes of fire protection. These doors are certified to nationally recognised standards, include a dual bolt Yale lock, three-point deadlock and are ‘secure by design’.

We are aiming to finish installing them by the end of the year.

Smoke alarms and heat sensors

As an added safety measure we are also installing smoke alarms and heat sensors in all flats. Smoke detectors will be fitted in every room except the bathroom and the kitchen, a heat sensor will be fitted in the kitchen. The sensors are wirelessly connected to each other - this means if one sensor in the flat is activated then all of the sensors will be activated.

When resident's alarms are installed they will be shown how the system works and how it can be reset. The smoke alarms have a battery life of ten years.

Reimbursements

We have extended the deadline for Chalcots residents to submit applications for reimbursements. You now have until midnight on Sunday 15 October to send us details of your claim and receipts. We will only be accepting claims in exceptional circumstances after this date. If you need additional time or are having trouble submitting your claim please email [email protected] or contact housing officers Ramona Damiean on 020 7974 6609, or Annie Freeman on 020 7974 6581, who will be able to assist you.

A panel of council officers are currently reviewing outstanding claims that have been submitted and will be in touch shortly.

Useful contact details

If you are a Chalcots resident and have any questions about the works in your block, including new fire doors, smoke alarms or cladding removal, please contact your Resident Liaison Officer.

Taplow and Bray - Hayley Townsend on 07702 970354.

Burnham and Blashford – Angela Carr on 07590 170332

Dorney – Sue Speller on 07939 158 509

For other enquiries you can still contact 020 7974 4444 (option 7).