Concerns about security breaches to apartments on Orchard Village.

Labour representatives tackle Orchard Village complaints.

Residents from Orchard Village have brought many complaints about repair and anti social behaviour issues to Ward councillors, Matt Stanton and Trevor Mckeever and Labour MP, Jon Cruddas. The Orchard Village estate is owned and managed by Clarion Housing Association.

In response to this the councillors, Jon Cruddas MP and Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham and Rainham, Margaret Mullane met on the estate on Friday 13 January with Havering Council’s Director of Housing and Housing Cabinet Member, Paul McGeary to check on progress with maintenance problems across the estate.

Mr Cruddas MP told the Havering Daily: “ There is considerable concern about the time being taken to remedy problems and in particular at a number of cases where security to blocks of flats has been compromised. This is particularly disappointing as Orchard Village has only relatively recently been constructed. “

The inspection of the estate revealed:

• Breaches to security to some apartment blocks.

• The gates to car parking areas are regularly not closed as the locks are frequently damaged. As a consequence of this there is criminal activity in the car park areas, with reports of drug dealing and cars being broken into.

• There have been instances of dwellings being flooded resulting in the decanting of families (Merlin Court beingthe worst case) from leaks / bursts from mains supply pipes. There are cases of significant rainwater penetration from roof leaks to two blocks

• A number of electrical intake cupboards in several blocks were insecure.

Margaret Mullane said “Given the extent and frequency of repairs and housing management issues arising across Orchard Village I have asked that Clarion use their office at Mick Fury House on the estate to base an Estate Officer on a full time basis. I am pleased 

that Clarion are soon to commence work on the fire safety andcladding works, this is very welcome and reflects well on Clarion, especially the decision to not recharge the cost of the works to leaseholders. 

I have proposed to Clarion that when the contractor is carrying out cladding works to each block, a full inspection of that block be carried out and repairs be attended to.  This comprehensive approach should significantly improve tenant satisfaction and security and wellbeing of families living at Orchard Village.”

Margaret Mullane, Councillor Paul MGeary, Councillor Trevor McKeever, Councillor Matt Stanton and Jon Cruddas MP.

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