Friday 25 January 2019 – The latest news and updates from the Chalcots Estate

Additional support on the Chalcots Estate

• There has been a dedicated floating support service on the Chalcots Estate for a year, offering additional support for residents.

• We recently reviewed the need for resident support on the estate and have seen that there is more need for a dedicated housing support officer than the current floating support offer.

• In February, we are changing this approach and would like to introduce an additional, dedicated housing officer for the Chalcots Estate, Dele Adewunmi. We look forward to working with Dele and hope you can give him a warm welcome when you get the chance to meet.

• The dedicated floating support offer will end on 5 February. The last drop-in will be held at Dorney TRA Hall on Thursday 31 January, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. As well as the usual support and advice, it will also be a great opportunity for you to meet Dele and talk about the available support moving forwards.

• We would like to thank Darren Sweeney and Paul Latham for all their invaluable time and support on the Chalcots Estate.

• The general floating support service will still be available to all residents living in any type of accommodation across the borough. For more information visit camden.gov.uk/camden-floating-support-service or to book an appointment you can call 020 7974 5366 or [email protected]

An update on the replacement windows

• In the Chalcots Works Group meeting, TRA reps asked for an update on the replacement windows. Now that Wates have been appointed as the contractor for the works to replace the cladding and curtain wall, which includes the windows, we will be working with them as part of the final design phase including confirming the window design.

• As part of the final design phase, Wates will build two detailed window samples and will present them to the council and the Chalcots Works Group in February before the decision is made by the council.

• This work is part of the detailed design process and will not delay the overall timeframe for the programme of works.

• When we have a preferred window type we will arrange drop-in sessions so that all residents can view the detailed design and ask any questions.

• Thank you for your continued patience regarding the windows. We will keep you updated on progress over the next few weeks.

Throwing objects out of windows

• TRA reps have raised concerns about antisocial behaviour on the estate, including things being thrown out of windows.

• We would like to remind you that throwing objects out of your windows can cause serious harm and injury to people on the ground. The council takes this dangerous behaviour very seriously and all reports will be investigated and acted upon.

• We know that the vast majority of residents on the Chalcots behave appropriately towards each other, but if you see any instances of items being thrown out of windows or of antisocial behaviour in general, please report it to your housing officer.

• If the incident occurs during out of hours or at the weekend please call the onsite security team on 07903 232 592. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week but if the phone is engaged leave a message and we will call you back. You can also visit the security office at 6 Bray Tower. We remind residents that all of our security officers wear body cameras for the safety of everyone on the estate.

• We are currently looking into a small number of CCTV repair issues and will continue to work with the security staff on site.

• The TRA reps also raised concerns with other instances of antisocial behaviour on the estate. If you have any concerns about illegal activity, we remind you to do the following:

  • Contact the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2696 or email [email protected]

  • Call the police on 101 for non-emergencies (24 hours).

  • In an emergency always call 999.

Repairs

• The Chalcots Works Group have highlighted further concerns about reporting repairs and about support with gas installations.

• Please ensure that when you call Contact Camden for repairs on 020 7974 44444, you choose option 7 for Chalcots then option 1 for repairs on the Chalcots Estate.

• We are reviewing the current support offered to vulnerable residents by the council’s heating contractor (BTU) regarding gas appliances and will update residents if any changes are made.

• If you have concerns about how a new gas appliance is installed you can speak to Gas Safety Advice on 0800 408 5500 or visit gassaferegister.co.uk

• Camden is responsible for maintaining the gas pipes and boilers in your building. All tenants must have an annual gas safety check so please work with the council when it is time for your checks to ensure your gas supply and appliances are working safely.

Local lettings plan deadline

• We remind all tenants who are eligible to be on the housing register that the deadline for bidding on the first available flats at the Chalcots Estate via the local lettings plan is Monday 28 January.

Join the Chalcots five-a-side football tournament

• North Camden Zone and community organisers, who are also Chalcots residents, are holding a free five-a-side football tournament at the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (outdoor football pitch) on Sunday 24 February from 12pm to 4pm.

• Two teams per block can take part – one for 11 to 15 year olds and one for adults over 16. Male, female and mixed teams can apply.

• Sign your team up by Sunday 10 February at northcamdenzone.org/chalcots-community-action or contact Maddie on 020 7586 8731 or Abel at [email protected]

The Chalcots Works Group is held at the estate with TRA reps, councillors and council officers in attendance and is chaired by a TRA rep. They meet regularly to discuss works matters on the estate. This newsletter includes feedback from the Chalcots Works Group on Wednesday 16 January. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 30 January.

You can request a copy of this newsletter in large print, audio format or in another language by calling 020 7974 5717.

If you have questions about this newsletter please contact [email protected]