Sandstone Cliff Survey
We have now had the surveyance report back following the inspection of stability of the cliff. This has set out that the cliff is on the whole stable. It has recommended further geological tests which the Board are considering, following which we will contact leaseholders for views. The barriers have therefore now been removed from the areas in front of the casemates. However the report did recognise the issue of fly tipping on the cliff’s which poses a significant health and safety risk and recommended the raising of the railings at the top of the cliff by 2 feet. We are now pursuing that with Liverpool city Council and keep you all updated. Please note there is still a risk of fly tipping debris falling so albeit limited risk so do stay away from casemates for your own safety. Parking regulations remain regarding space in front of casemates.
CCTV
We are pleased to say CCTV installation has now commenced on-site. You will see the posts for CCTV cameras being installed this week and next with cameras being fitted and operational before Christmas. This will enhance security on site as well as help us tackle the antisocial behaviour around fly tipping in bins. We will communicate more on CCTV in the coming weeks including the process and protocols for accessing CCTV footage for incidents.
Decoration / Re-Carpet of Communal Areas
The programme is now ahead of schedule with us being able to pull two blocks forward in the schedule thanks to reducing outstanding debt. We will continue with the programme with all blocks completed in 2021. The new scheme is a significant enhancement and improvement, modernising blocks and improving the visual impact of communal areas. During winter months pictures and other décor will be added to re-decorated blocks to continue to improve the communal areas. This represents a significant investment of several hundred thousand pounds across the 53 blocks on-site. Its important we all take personal responsibility for taking care and looking after these newly decorated areas.
Flat Roofs
We have unfortunately faced challenges with the replacement of the flat roofs on Ellerman Road due to materials being delayed at ports ( you will have seen these issues reported on the BBC). We have also ensured we have stringent checks in place to ensure the works are up to the standard contractually required and covered by a manufacturer 10 year warranty to protect leaseholders and City Quay funds which again has caused delays. We are pleased to say however these have now been resolved with works progressing. Balconies under way will be completed by 20th December with scaffolding removed between 12 and 20th December. We will then agree a schedule of works for the remaining balconies in the New Year taking into account winter weather etc. We will update affected leaseholders/residents with future time lines in January.
ESW1 – New Fire Regulations
Leaseholders may be aware that in January this year due to the Grenfell Tower Fire new Fire Regulations were introduced by HM Government. This requires an inspection process to be undertaken known as ESW1 on all buildings above 18 Metres with cladding to determine fire regulation compliance with a certificate and report issued. The only building currently affected by these changes is Adler Way and the “wings” of Adler Way. It is worth noting we are aware of this impacting the sales of several apartments in Adler Way due to new lenders ( banks) requiring the ESW1 forms as part of mortgage processes. We are currently in contact with all currently affected leaseholders.
The regulations set out very specific processes and narrow professional competence standards to carry out the work. The Board have been engaged with numerous suppliers, the landlords, Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government to have this work undertaken. We have also to protect leaseholders financial interests lodged an initial application with the Government fund set up to undertake any remedial works required as a result of the ESW1 inspection process. We will be writing to leaseholders in Adler Way and affected blocks separately on these issues and next steps. We will keep all leaseholders updated on progress. It is worth noting that the government is currently consulting on lowering the height limit of these regulations which may mean more blocks within City Quay are caught by the regulations. We again will keep you updated.
Lighting
Leaseholders/Residents may have noticed a new sample light in place on Ellerman road. We have been looking at improving lighting across the site both from a maintenance perspective where lamppost heads have been compromised by water as well as improving lighting for safety purposes and security as we install new CCTV. We will look to progress this improved lighting solution across the site in a phased approach in the coming months.
We hope leaseholders/residents agree that significant improvements are being made across the whole site despite the challenges Covid has posed. We also want to wish all leaseholders/residents a very Happy Christmas and New Year.