London,
26
July
2019
|
10:51
Europe/London

Friday 26 July 2019 – The latest news and updates from the Chalcots Estate

HS2

We are aware that an event was hosted by HS2 at Swiss Cottage Library in June. Residents were concerned about the impact of the tunnelling. The Chalcots Project Team will be meeting with HS2 to get a better understanding of the plans and potential impacts, and we will share any further information with you when we get it.

Works update

  • We will be able to share the final design and programme with timelines and disruption levels in September.
  • We are in the process of recruiting five quality inspectors – one dedicated to each block – and we will give you an update on this in coming newsletters.

Latest on testing work flats

  • We have been testing in empty flats at 113 Burnham and 86 Bray to try and find the best way to do the overall replacement work while minimising disruption to residents as much as possible. We are testing an approach for Bray, Burnham, Dorney and Taplow that will let us replace the windows from the outside. We will let you know more once we have full details.
  • You will also be able to visit one of the empty show flats once the work is finished, so you can see what a flat will look like after the work.
  • Scaffolding has recently been put up to the eighth floor at Burnham to trial the window changeover at flat 35. The scaffolding will be up for two weeks.

Blashford update

  • As we have told you in previous letters, the design of Blashford is different to the other four blocks. We are currently doing survey work at 36 Blashford to help finalise the design and work sequencing for this block. We are also reviewing the possible window designs for Blashford to make sure we have the right options that comply with safety, ventilation, overheating, future proofing and technical requirements.
  • We will arrange a separate event for Blashford in September once we have the design details.

Update on ‘getting to know you and your home’ appointments

Thank you for your patience while we finalise the arrangements for starting the ‘getting to know you and your home’ appointments. We are now doing final run-throughs of the survey to check it works well. This will be done securely on tablets with password protection. The appointments will start to be booked in with you in the first two weeks of August. Look out for a letter with more details.

Removing fire hose reels

  • As a safety precaution, the fire hose reels have been removed from your blocks due to the risk of residents or members of the public putting themselves at greater risk if they attempted to tackle a fire.
  • The London Fire Brigade (LFB) will use their own equipment to tackle a fire and will not rely on hose reels.
  • The LFB’s advice is that if there is a fire in the flat or TRA hall you are in, you should evacuate immediately and call the LFB when you have reached a place of safety. You should not attempt to tackle the fire.
  • If a fire occurs elsewhere in the building you should stay where you are until the LFB arrive, unless the area you are in becomes affected by smoke or flames at which time you evacuate immediately.

Scaffold cleaning

  • Next Tuesday, 30 July, we will be cleaning the scaffolding fans and pigeon spikes.
  • We would like to remind residents to continue to work with us in keeping them clean and clear of litter.
  • We know that most residents dispose of litter properly and keep the communal areas in the estate tidy. Unfortunately, some residents do throw litter out of the window, leaving a mess outside and on the scaffolding.
  • If you see anything like this please continue to work with us by reporting it to the onsite security team on 07903 232 592 so that we can take action.

100 years of council housing

  • Next Wednesday 31 July marks 100 years since the Housing and Town Planning Act 1919, the first Act to give councils the funding and powers they needed to build, introducing council housing as we know it.
  • We’d like to hear your stories and see your photos of the Chalcots Estate to help us build a picture of Camden’s council homes over the last century – and the people who call them home.
  • To share your story or photos email [email protected] send in the post to Housing News, FREEPOST LBC MAILROOM or share on Twitter – don’t forget to tag @CamdenCouncil and use the hashtag #councilhomes100
  • You will also have the opportunity to share your story through the virtual Camden People’s Museum. The museum will celebrate the people of Camden with stories, images, archive material, artwork and performance. To find out more visit lovecamden.org/camdenalive

Hot weather advice

  • Please take care in the hot weather. The NHS advises to stay out of the sun where possible, drink plenty of water, and carry a water bottle when travelling.
  • Older people can become isolated in hot weather. Check on your elderly neighbours who might be stuck at home because of the heat or other health conditions, and are at more risk of illness when it is very warm. If you are concerned about vulnerable or elderly residents, call 111 or contact your housing officer. For more advice visit nhs.uk/heatwave
  • Chalcots residents can cool down at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre at the weekends with free swimming between 10am and 5pm on Saturdays and 10am and 3pm on Sundays – remember to bring a proof of address.

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 10 July and Wednesday 17 July. The next meeting is expected to be held on Wednesday 31 July. You can read notes from the Chalcots Works group meeting at camden.gov.uk/chalcotsestate

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]