Agenda item

Report of the Director of Children and Community Services

For information

Members received an update on issues raised by the Residents’ Consultation Committee and the Barbican Residential Committee at their meetings in September 2012.  The report also provided updates on other issues on the Estate. 

The following matters were raised:

1. The Chairman and Members stressed that all undisputed invoices should be paid within 30 days.  Members noted that performance was improving but there had been some issues with a new system, which had delayed code checking.  However, Members were reassured that hardship cases were given priority and the City enjoyed good relationships with its contractors. 

2. Voids on baggage stores seemed rather long and Members asked for an explanation in the next update report. 

3. A Member questioned whether asbestos was present in rubbish cupboards, around the electrical cables.  The Housing Services Director understood this had been removed during an earlier project but would check and reassure Members. 

4. In respect of the improved water pressure, a Member commented that, whilst there had been some improvement, it was still intermittent in her flat. 

5. The TV Network Working Party had met in November.  The Chairman of the RCC was in attendance and pleased to advise that lawyers were working on heads of terms.

6. Members were concerned that the area at the base of Shakespeare Tower (by the Hairdressing Salon) was very poorly lit.  There had been some incidents of drunken/anti-social behaviour; the Estate’s Community Police Officers were aware and the Security Committee had raised this on several occasions. 

7. In respect of the Barbican Arts Centre Cinema Relocation, the machinery was located in Ben Jonson House Car Park (not Breton House). 

8. Members felt that the wooden planters outside Lauderdale/Cromwell Towers were reaching the end of life and looking untidy.

RECEIVED