Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

This report updated Members on issues raised by the Residents’ Consultation Committee and the Barbican Residential Committee at their meetings in September 2012.  During consideration of the report the following items were raised:

Beech Street

The Barbican Association (BA) had been consulted in respect of the Silk Street Junction and asked for a co-ordinated approach. 

Podium Tiles

Residents were pleased with the repairs to the podium tiles but asked for any missing small white tiles on stair edges to be replaced.  This had particular health and safety implications for partially sighted residents.

Bicycle and Baggage Stores

Officers advised that there were free spaces for more baggage stores; ideas were being explored and would be reported back in the next update report.  The bicycle stores, which were subject to TfL funding, would proceed regardless and residents would be updated in the next report.

Parking Bays

Residents noted that works would commence in January 2013.

Concrete Works (subject to a separate report on this agenda)

The Chairman of the Barbican Association (BA) suggested setting up a Residents Consultation Committee (RCC) Working Party. This would be discussed outside the meeting by the Chairmen of the RCC/BA and the Housing and Technical Services Director.  Residents were advised that repairs to the low rise blocks would be done by abseillers, with no further need for scaffolding. 

TV Network

Residents noted that Concerro would be sent draft KPI’s by 27 November, the Licence would be sent to VFM next week and negotiated by the end of the year.  Officers advised that the specification was being developed and would be rolled out block by block (2 systems at a time).  Marketing would start shortly and residents would be able to choose from the commercial offerings. 

Structure Chart

Residents were given assurance as to the transparency and apportionment of charges for services.   Officers advised that any changes in methodologies would be put presented to the Supervision Working Party and residents asked for an update in the January/March quarter.    Whilst the recent review had driven by improved efficiency and customer care, residents noted that it was very likely to be translated into cost savings in the future. 

Cinema

The Barbican Association asked the Art Centre for the baseline sound testing data. 

Frobisher Crescent

A resident felt that the City Surveyor’s report was minimal and there was no mention of the outstanding issues regarding heating/hot water, which had not been resolved.  However, residents were pleased to note that the Developer had appointed a maintenance contractor to deal with the issues of leakages and other related problems. 

St Alphage

The Chairman asked that the Deputy Chairman of the RCC and the Chairman of the Barbican Association (BA) follow up progress in 2/3 months’ time.

Milton Court Car Parks and Security

Further to residents’ concerns about potential security breaches and the mis-use of fire doors/exits, officers had met with the City Surveyors’ Project Managers.  Alarms would be set louder and audible from both sides of the site area and car park; cameras would be installed on the car park side and any breaches by staff would result in disciplinary action. 

Officers agreed to investigate an intercom failure at Breton House.

Lift Alarms (Wood Street)

Residents felt that the call centre/control room location at Milton Keynes was too remote and the Housing and Technical Services Director would investigate.  Residents were pleased to note that there would a new lift contractor (subject of another report on this agenda). 

Escalators

Whilst accepting that their grievances might not be within the City of London’s remit, residents were generally unhappy at the poor consultation, lack of impact following RCC comments and a perceived lack of transparency from Crossrail.  They felt that the poor access and signposting at the east end of the estate was particularly unsatisfactory.

Residents asked if an officer from the City Surveyors’ Department could attend future RCC/BRC meetings. 

YMCA

The Barbican Association’s General Council had discussed this matter last week.  Residents had expressed a preference for a Frobisher Crescent style residential development.

Concrete Planters (fronting Cromwell and Lauderdale Towers)

A preference for concrete was expressed as they offered additional protection.

Beech Gardens/Ben Jonson Highwalk and other side

Appendix 6 referred to plant choices for replacement planting, which had been chosen to complement existing planting, provide seasonal interest and survive minimal watering. Officers advised that there would be full resident consultation.

The puddle in St Giles’ terrace was being investigated.

RECEIVED