Site visit of 22nd May 2017

Kevin Morgan and I went around the site with Hannah Forrest and her area manager.

Boundary with Park Lane

We had a look at the bank on the boundary with Park Lane where it goes down the hill. In the past this has been maintained by the council, but recently they have taken the position that it is the job of the landowner. Hannah has checked the plan showing the area that FirstPort are responsible for, and the bank doesn't seem to be included. There is a fence at the top of the bank, but I've checked the boundaries shown in the property registry, and as far as I can tell the property boundary is at the edge of the pavement. That means that the property owner (Holdings & Management (Solitaire) Ltd) is responsible for its upkeep. Hannah agreed to discuss this with the gardener, and also to send me a copy of their plan.

Hornbeam tree damaging garden wall

There is a hornbeam tree about 6 feet from the back garden wall of No. 30 William Price Gardens. This seems to be causing movement of the wall. Hannah agreed that this should be cut down. (Post-meeting note: this has now been done).

Bushes damaging garage

The householder at No. 1 William Price Gardens had complained that bushes on the landscaped area adjacent to his garage were growing under the eaves and causing damage. The bushes have now been mostly removed. Hannah agreed to ask the gardener to tidy the area up.

Southern Water and the north boundary drainage ditch

FirstPort have now cleared the drainage ditch on the north boundary. The work has been inspected by Southern Water, who have agreed that it is sufficient. No further work is expected to be needed there.

Wooded area on the north side

We had a look in the wooded area on the north side of the estate. There were three empty 2 litre bottles of cider, a lot of sweet and cake wrappers, and the remains of a camp fire. The last is a cause of concern, as during the summer there is a risk of the fire getting out of control. Hannah agreed to ask the gardeners to cut back the undergrowth around the edges so that the interior is not so concealed. If you see anything suspicious then please call 101 (which is the police non-emergency number) to report it.

The alleyway in the north-east corner

Someone is exercising their dogs in this area, bagging up the poo, and then leaving the bags by the first gate. I agreed to put up a notice asking the person responsible to take it away.

There used to be a second gate near the top of the alleyway. We found this propped up against the fence and overgrown. Hannah agreed to get a quote for reinstating this gate, and the Committee will consider whether the work should be done.

Boundary with Harrison Road

After the rubbish bin fire on Harrison Road we had agreed that the fence could be left as it was. However the insurance company had already paid to have a replacement fence put in, and this work has now been done.

I pointed out to Hannah that brambles often grow out from the hedge and pose a danger to pedestrians. Hannah agreed to ask the gardener to keep an eye on this.

FirstPort's management fee

FirstPort are now reviewing their management fee, and will propose the fees for next year shortly. I reiterated our position that we agreed a management fee of £4,800/year in 2012 and saw no reason why it should be increased beyond inflation.