The AGM was held on September 22nd. This was attended by 3 residents only, however enough proxy replies were received to enable the meeting to go ahead. The minutes for this meeting are available through ‘the minutes’ page of this site.

AGM coming soon - Please attend!

Letter from HML to all residents:   Through my previous correspondence, I have highlighted several times the importance of fire safety in residential blocks of flats, especially following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

 It is our duty, as your managing agent to keep you (the resident) up to date with the latest changes to legislation surrounding this issue which can have a profound affect upon your property, such as the Fire Safety Act and the updated EWS1 guidance.

  This time however, I would like to touch upon the responsibilities that fall on the residents and the preventative actions that can be performed to ensure that the block you live in is fire safe.

Although the responsibility to arrange regular fire risk assessments and to manage the maintenance within the common parts of a building typically lies with the Freeholder/Resident Management Company, residents are also obliged under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure they too do not compromise the fire safety of the block they live in.

 As such, some of the responsibilities that lie with you include the following: 

- No items, such as bicycles, prams, furniture etc which cause an obstruction to fire exits and/or fire escape routes are to be stored in the common parts

- Smoking is strictly prohibited in the common parts.

- No damage should inadvertently be made towards the buildings’ fire protection when carrying out flat alterations

- The use and/or storage of petrol, bottled gas, paraffin heaters or other flammable material is strictly prohibited within all areas of the block including individual flats, balconies and the common parts. This also includes BBQs on balconies, which are not allowed in any case. 

- Fire Action Plans are to be read and understood.

- All fire and flat entrance doors must self-close. Doors must not be wedged, tied or otherwise held open.

- Fully functional smoke/heat detectors must be fitted and where necessary carbon monoxide alarms installed with regular tests and maintenance performed.

It is your duty to ensure that you fully understand your responsibilities and obligations as a resident and it is crucial that you act on all repair or emergency requirements within your property in order to prevent fire incidents. If you are in any doubt concerning your responsibilities or obligations please contact your local property manager.

Whilst much of this may appear common sense, it concerns me how often people find reasons not to observe these responsibilities even in the post Grenfell environment.

For more information and to read our latest blog on Fire Safety please visit either the HML website or click on the link below.

Two new garden benches have been purchased for the the communal garden. As more residents use this space it was felt that this would be a welcome addition. These have been purchased by Lodges Ltd – at no cost to residents - but their care is the responsibility of everyone who uses them. Please do try not to move the benches too much and treat them well – so they may be enjoyed by all.

An important letter regarding fire safety and residents responsibilities - please do read and react to this - it is essential.