IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT ALERTS!
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To cancel: Either click the “opt-out” link on the emails sent or alternatively inform us through our contact page.
Out of hours emergencies: 0345 606 7660
For all URGENT block communal maintenance issues occurring out of hours (i.e. after 5.30pm Monday-Thursday and after 5.00pm Friday & weekends), please contact our emergency service on 0345 606 7660.
All non-urgent issues will be dealt with during our normal Monday-Thursday office hours of 9.00am-5.30pm and Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.
Rough Sleepers and Antisocial Behaviour
Please report any rough sleepers or antisocial behaviour immediately to the Police via 101
Property Maintenance Manager is Judy Wyatt
Maintenance
Please report all communal maintenance issues using our online portal. This is monitored between the hours of 9am and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Click here to report a problem
Window Cleaning
Communal window cleaning is not carried out at this development.
Car Parking
There is no parking at Garden Court.
Noise Complaints
To report a noise complaint, you must provide the number of the apartment responsible. We will then write to the apartment in question.
Click here to report a noise complaint
For persistent noise complaints, please report to Birmingham City Council by clicking here.
Building Insurance
Please click here to request a digital copy of the building insurance certificate.
Cleaning
Communal cleaning is not carried out at this development.
Your Handbook
Please contact us to request your Garden Court handbook
Coronavirus Useful Website Links
Please see below useful website links:-
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/
Complaints
If you are not happy with our services, you can read more about how we handle complaints in our Complaints Procedure for Block Management – December 2019
Refuse & Recycling
Your waste and recycling is collected by Birmingham City Council.
Click here for your collection day and other information about the service.
Bulky Waste
If you would like to dispose of bulky items such as furniture and appliances, please arrange a collection with Birmingham City Council.
Click here to book a collection.
Please do not leave bulky items in the bin store as they will not be collected.
Replacement Fobs
Please use the online prompt “report a problem within your development” to purchase a replacement entrance fob and then select “other”. Thank you.
The cost of a replacement entrance fob is £30.00 inc VAT.
Share Certificate
Please click here to request a share certificate.
Fire Alarm Testing
Fire alarms and smoke devices are tested to British Standards.
Click here to report a fault within working hours
To report a fault out of hours, please contact our emergency service on 0345 606 7660
Grounds Maintenance
Grounds maintenance is carried out once month from October to February and once a fortnight from March to September.
Fees and Charges
Please click here to request a copy of the COMPASS BLOCK MANAGEMENT FEES AND CHARGES 2023
Dealing With Conflict & Confrontation From Other Members Of The Public
A reminder that members of staff for Compass Block Management are not police officers or police staff. They do not have any police powers. They are members of public and have the same rights and obligations of any other member of the public.
If any incidents do occur, please contact the police immediately via 999 (for all emergencies) or 101.
NOTICE BOARD
CLICK TO VIEW ALL MAINTENANCE HISTORY
Date: 07/05/2024
Details: Fire Compliance Services (FCS) have scheduled the apartments and communal fire door inspections for Garden Court as below:-
Tuesday 28th May – on site from 7.30am – 2.30pm
For leaseholders, please ensure arrangements are made for apartment doors to be inspected by FCS. If a leaseholder or tenant in situ would like a specific time on the above date then please email FCS direct with their preferred time to [email protected].
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Date: 26/02/2024
Details: A driving licence has been found at Garden Court. If anyone has lost or is aware of someone who has lost a driving licence over the weekend, please contact [email protected] – thank you.
Date: 19/01/2024
Details: Following reports that a number of residents are experiencing problems with a limited water flow from taps, we have reported to Severn Trent. Please see response we have received from Severn Trent which details the reference number they have allocated:-
You can use the contact reference number (2006398823) to track your Job by following the link below –
http://trackmyjob.stwater.co.uk/tmj/?jobNumber=2006398823
If you experience any problems, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Severn Trent.
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Date: 01/12/2023
Details: We have been made aware that contractors for one of the apartments have placed the rubbish temporarily by the bin store. They advise that they will be collecting on Monday to dispose of. Thank you to the leaseholders that kindly responded.
Date: 30/11/2023
Details: We are aware that a large amount of building waste has been left by the bin store. This includes large bathroom items. We ask the leaseholder or residents responsible to ensure that these items are removed immediately please. Failure to remove will incur breach of lease charges, together with clean up charges by the apartment concerned. Thank you for your urgent co-operation.
Date: 19/10/2023
Details: National Grid are aware of the power cut affecting B16 8EU. They advise “the incident was raised at 9:53am this morning and our engineers are working to get the power returned as quickly as possible. We are sorry for any inconvenience this is causing you”. They estimate that the power will be restored by 11.30am this morning.
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Heading: Communal Hallways and Stairways
Date: 04/05/2023
Details: Please ensure that the communal areas are kept clean and tidy. Please do not leave rubbish or unwanted materials once work has been carried out within your apartment. Any rubbish should be disposed of in the bins provided or, for larger items, taken to the local tip (or organise for the Council to collect direct from your apartment).
Date: 21/02/2023
Details: We are aware that there is unfortunately a leak from Apartment 2 Garden Court. One of the residents has kindly been in touch with the letting agent for the apartment. We understand that they have instructed a plumber to attend. We have also instructed Fire Compliance Services (FCS) as understand that the fire alarm is going off due to the water ingress.
Date: 18/11/2022
Details: Contractors have been in attendance to carry out the Winter checks. Unfortunately, the timer for the lighting is not working – a new one has been ordered and will be installed asap given the dark nights.
Date: 10/11/2022
Details: It is a breach of Fire Regulations and breach of lease to store any items and personal belongings within any of the communal hallways and stairways. We ask all residents to ensure that all items are removed immediately. Failure to do so will result in breach of lease charges being incurred and TORT proceedings being commenced. For owners with tenants in situ, please relay immediately to your tenants and / or lettings agents. Thank you for your urgent co-operation.
Date: 09/11/2022
Details: Contractors have been instructed to carry out the Winter Checks which includes the setting of the lights given the clocks going back and darker nights. We have sent a chaser over to them again today to address asap.
Date: 31/10/2022
Details: A Smart Meter is being installed for the landlord supply to the development as per the contract.
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Heading: Main Front Door
Date: 13/10/2022
Details: The contractors have been in attendance to repair the panel by the lock to the front door as the wood was breaking away. They have installed a metal plate which should prove more hard wearing.
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Heading: Lawn
Date: 13/10/2022
Details: You will have noted that there has been destruction to the lawn. The contractors have been in attendance. They have identified that the issue is from birds and they have provided us with supporting video footage. The contractors will look to repair and reseed the lawn. They will also look to install electronic pest control. If the problem persists or the lawn remains in poor condition, the contractors will quote to relawn. We will keep you updated.
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Heading: URGENT – Storage of Personal Items in Communal Areas
Date: 04/10/2022
Details: We note that some residents are storing personal items outside of their apartments, within the communal hallways and stairways.
Please ensure that all personal effects are stored within your apartment only and removed immediately from the communal areas.
It is not only a breach of lease to store any items within the communal areas but a major fire risk. Failure to comply with the above will result in breach of lease charges being incurred and legal action being taken in the form of TORT Notices. Thank you for your urgent co-operation.
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Heading: Communal Doors Left Unlocked
Date: 07/07/2022
Details: Please do not leave the communal doors on the latch. This causes issues for other residents entering the building and trying to use their fobs – the system does not work when the latch is left open. Of more importance though is the breach in security as this leaves the development open for possible intruders. This will also invalidate the buildings insurance as the development is not being kept secure.
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Heading: Internal Areas Between Apartments
Date: 18/03/2022
Details: A reminder to all residents that the areas between apartments should be kept clean and tidy. Under the terms of the lease and Fire Risk Assessment, no items should be left or stored within these areas. For landlords with tenants in situ, please make them aware that these areas are not “storage” areas. To avoid breach of lease charges and TORT proceedings, please ensure that these areas are kept clear – thank you. We will be also addressing the conditions of these areas on behalf of the Management Company in due course.
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Heading: Power Cut – Update
Date: 04/03/2022
Details: The following update has been posted by Western Power “All customers affected by the #powercut in #Birmigham #B16 now have their supply restored. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused”
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Heading: Power Cut
Date: 04/03/2022
Details: We understand that there is a power cut within the B16 area. Please refer to the Western Power website – https://powercut.westernpower.co.uk for further information. The latest posting on their website is that they expect full power to be resumed by 10.00am.
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Heading: AM Power – Supplier At Risk
Date: 19/10/2021
Details: In light of recent news about energy providers, please find an announcement received from Ginger Energy in relation to AM Power – AM Power – Supplier At Risk
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Heading: Weeding
Date: 11/10/2021
Details: Given problems experienced of late with the previous contractors and work not being carried out in a timely manner, to a good standard and sometimes not at all, we have disinstructed the old contractors. We are in the process of handing the development over to new contractors. They have attended to the grass cutting and will be on site today to carry out the weeding. We are just in the process of handing over. The contractors will then work in line with the schedule of works.
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Heading: Grass Cutting
Date: 30/09/2021
Details: As it would appear that the regular contractors have not attended recently to the grass cutting, we have instructed new contractors Collins Co to attend to cut the grass.
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Heading: Dumped Mattress
Date: 30/09/2021
Details: Contractors have been instructed to attend and remove the mattress that has been dumped. A reminder to all residents that larger items such as mattresses are the responsibility of the resident to remove either directly themselves or by Council collection. No items should be just dumped on site.
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Heading: Washing
Date: 16/09/2021
Details: Please ensure that no washing is left to dry outside. Under the terms of the lease, this is not permitted. Should we become aware of anyone who continues to leave their washing outside then breach of lease charges will be incurred.
For leaseholders with tenants in situ, please ensure that your tenants are made fully aware. Please also ensure that your tenants do subscribe to the website to receive the latest updates and alerts about the development. Thank you for your urgent co-operation.
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Heading: TV Disposal
Date: 25/06/2021
Details: Whilst appreciating the generosity of offering a free TV, can we remind all residents that no items are to be left out and should be disposed of correctly or unwanted items taken to a local charity shop thank you.
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Heading: Dumped Heater
Date: 28/04/2021
Details: A reminder yet again to all residents that the bin men WILL NOT take rubbish dumped outside of the bins. Someone has dumped a heater in the bin store area. Given that someone has chosen to ignore simple steps for disposal of their rubbish, we have had to instruct cleaning contractors to attend to clean up after them. Please ensure that all rubbish is disposed of correctly. These additional call outs for contractor clean ups will impact on budgets and service charge payments.
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Heading: Rubbish Disposal
Date: 01/02/2021
Details: A reminder yet again to all residents that the bin men WILL NOT take rubbish dumped outside of the bins. Given that some residents have chosen to ignore simple steps for disposal of their rubbish, we have had to instruct cleaning contractors to attend to clean up after them.
Breach of lease charges and clean up charges will be incurred by those dumping their rubbish incorrectly. We ask those concerned to take a pride in the development and have consideration for your neighbours who should not have to put up with the mess and health risks generated.
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Heading: Rubbish Disposal
Date: 10/12/2020
Details: A reminder yet again to all residents that the bin men WILL NOT take rubbish dumped outside of the bins.
Residents must organise themselves for large items to be taken direct to the local tip or organise for the items to be collected from their apartment. If you are having work carried out to your apartment, please ensure that your workmen do not just dump their rubbish outside of the bins. We have noted that a toilet has just been dumped.
Daily rubbish should be disposed of correctly in the bins provided to avoid rubbish building up outside of the bins and attracting vermin. We have instructed contractors to attend to the clean up of the latest mess that has been left which has obviously incurred additional costs to leaseholders. For landlords with tenants in situ, please ensure that your tenants are made fully aware about disposing of their rubbish correctly, in particular when moving in and out of apartments. Breach of lease charges and clean up charges will be incurred should we become aware of anyone who is just dumping their rubbish.
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Heading: Fire Safety for the Home
Date: 14/10/2020
Details: Please find a copy of the latest safety advice for the home – Fire safety poster ARMA-HFRS (1).October 2020
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Heading: Rubbish Disposal
Date: 28/09/2020
Details: A reminder to all residents that the bin men WILL NOT take rubbish dumped outside of the bins. Residents must organise themselves for large items to be taken direct to the local tip or organise for the items to be collected from their apartment. Daily rubbish should be disposed of correctly in the bins provided to avoid rubbish building up outside of the bins and attracting vermin. We have instructed contractors to attend to the clean up of the latest mess that has been left which has obviously incurred additional costs to leaseholders. For landlords with tenants in situ, please ensure that your tenants are made fully aware about disposing of their rubbish correctly, in particular when moving in and out of apartments. Thank you.
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 15/06/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 12.06.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 05/06/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 05.06.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 29/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 29.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Police Update
Date: 28/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – West Midlands Police update 28.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 15/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 15.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Police Update
Date: 15/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands Police update we have received Covid 19 – police update 15.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 07/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 07.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 05/05/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid update – 01.05.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 27/04/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid update – 24.04.2020
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 20/04/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid update
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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 01/04/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received:-
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West Midlands COVID-19 Update Latest updates as at: Monday 30 March 2020, 20:00 Purpose of this briefingThis is a regularly updated briefing which aims to give regional stakeholders: · An overview of the spread of COVID-19 in the urban West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton) · A single view of the actions of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the Mayor of the West Midlands in response to COVID-19 · A guide on where to find detailed regional information to support the existing national Government guidance |
Latest Headlines· There have been 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the West Midlands. This makes the West Midlands the biggest regional hotspot for COVID-19 after London. · Work has begun on a new Nightingale Hospital at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull with capacity for 5,000 beds which will open in mid-April [BBC News, 27 March 2020]. Work has also begun on a mortuary at Birmingham Airport with the capacity for 1,500 bodies [BBC News, 27 March 2020]· 86% reduction in public transport journeys in the West Midlands as the public follow Government advice [TfWM, 29 March 2020]· Set up Community Support Hub website, where people can find local groups near them [WMCA, 27 March 2020] |
Key messages to the publicStay at homeYou must stay at home, only leaving for the following very limited purposes: · Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible · One form of exercise a day – for example, a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of your immediate household · Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person · Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home. Protect the NHSYou must stay at home to protect the NHS: · The NHS only has a limited number of doctors, nurses and specialist equipment · We are working around the clock to increase NHS capacity · The more people who get sick, the harder it is for the NHS to cope · We must slow the spread of the disease so that fewer people are sick at any one time. Save livesYou must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. The police will have the powers to enforce the following restrictions: · Dispersing gatherings of more than two people in public, excluding people you live with · Issuing fines to anyone who does not comply with these rules · Closing shops that are not essential, as well as playgrounds and places of worship. |
Message from Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands“We’re in the midst of an immensely challenging time for everyone in the West Midlands, and we’re all rightly worried about our family members, friends and neighbours. The West Midlands response has been phenomenal. There are plenty of tough weeks ahead, but I know we are well placed to get through this. Thank you to everyone for showing such resolve and responsibility. Please follow the Government advice, stay at home, protect our NHS, and save lives.” |
Further information· View details of WMCA COVID-19 support and guidance · Latest WMCA Communications updates · Full guidance on staying at home · Find the most up to date medical advice |
Latest COVID-19 Public Health England and NHS update· There have been 1,372 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the West Midlands. This makes the West Midlands to biggest regional hotspot for COVID-19 after London · Work has begun on a new Nightingale Hospital at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull with capacity for 5,000 beds which will open in mid-April [BBC News, 27 March 2020]. Work has also begun on a mortuary at Birmingham Airport with the capacity for 1,500 bodies. [BBC News, 27 March 2020]Confirmed Cases Local Authority Sat 28/3 Sun 29/3 Mon 30/3 Birmingham 428 513 578 Coventry 54 79 101 Dudley 83 122 136 Sandwell 116 138 144 Solihull 54 74 87 Walsall 108 125 151 Wolverhampton 116 153 175 Totals 959 1,204 1,372 Correct as at 17:00, 30 March 2020
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Further information· Latest PHE / NHS data on COVID-19 cases in the West Midlands |
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WMCA’s response to COVID-19WMCA has been focused on the following six areas of activity in response to COVID-19, working closely with our seven constituent councils, and focusing on the areas where the Combined Authority can add to what is being done by Government and other public bodies: · Strategic Co-ordination across the Public Sector: Working together across the public sector to ensure that the response to COVID-19 is joined up and effective as possible · Protecting the Regional Economy: Working with businesses and representative organisations to make sure that support is provided to businesses and workers to ensure the West Midlands economy can recover as swiftly as possible following the COVID-19 outbreak · Running the Transport Network: Reducing services because of the guidance limiting travel in the region, but running sufficient services on train, Metro and bus networks to allow key workers to get to their work in a safe manner · Supporting All Our Communities: Ensuring all communities of the West Midlands are looked after during the COVID-19 outbreak, including all faith and ethnic minority groups and other vulnerable groups such as the homeless, those with mental health issues or disabilities and older people · Communicating with the Public: Giving clear guidance to people in the West Midlands about what they are expected to do during the COVID-19 outbreak · Adapting the WMCA’s Own Operations: Ensuring our staff are safe and healthy, while continuing the activities of WMCA. |
Strategic Co-ordination across the Public SectorContext: The response to COVID-19 will require the joined-up working between different public sector organisations to tackle the outbreak and the impact on public services and the regional economy. WMCA is well-positioned to work closely with public sector bodies given its existing collaborative working relationships, particularly with councils and with those agencies involved in transport, housing, skills, employment, policing and health. The purpose of this activity is: · Work closely with other public sector organisations · Support regional resilience planning and resourcing The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · Regional Strategic Co-ordinating Group: (Senior leaders from West Midlands Police, Councils, NHS, PHE, WMCA) reporting to COBR in London · Regular Mayor and Council Leaders Conference Calls (Mayor, Council Leaders, Respective Chief Executives, briefed by other agency leaders e.g. Chief Constable of West Midlands Police) · Calls between the Mayor and leaders from the NHS, Public Health England, Police and other public bodies. |
Protecting the Regional EconomyContext: The public health measures, which have been implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, are having a huge impact on the West Midlands economy. Government has put in place unprecedented support measures to help businesses and workers through this time. The WMCA is working with representative organisations to make sure that this support is getting through to businesses and workers, and is working on plans to accelerate the economic recovery after the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this activity is: · Monitor the latest economic situation for businesses in the West Midlands · Ensure Government support is reaching West Midlands businesses and workers · Lobbying Government to secure further support for West Midlands businesses and workers · Prepare for the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak · Connecting West Midlands businesses with the frontline public sector organisations e.g. the NHS, who may need support. The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · Regular Economic Contingency Group meetings (WMCA, Councils, TUC, LEPs, Chambers of Commerce, West Midlands Growth Company, Bank of England, BEIS) Latest updates: · Set up West Midlands COVID-19 Business Support website, which sets out the support available to businesses and key contacts in the West Midlands [WMCA, 25 March 2020]· Lobbied for further support for self-employed workers, in the run up to the Chancellor’s announcement of further measures [WMCA, 24 March 2020; GOV.UK, 26 March 2020]· Promoted Government request for engineering support for ventilator manufacturing to West Midlands firms [GOV.UK, 16 March 2020], with Meggitt, the aerospace company based in Coventry, forming part of the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium [Meggitt, 30 March 2020]· Organising a series of sector-based business roundtables to understand the impact of COVID-19 on different sectors and how well current support plans are working · Working with banks (Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC UK and Barclays) in the region to ensure that businesses have sufficient liquidity. |
Running the Transport NetworkContext: Due to the Government’s guidance limiting people’s movement, Transport for West Midlands has been working with operators to reduce the number of services to the appropriate level to be sufficient for key workers. The purpose of this activity is: · Run a limited service to allow key workers to access work and residents to be able to access essential shopping and healthcare · Protect the health and safety of all those working on the transport network · Ensure that operators are able to able to reinstate full transport services when the lockdown is finished. The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · TfWM · Bus Alliance (bus operators across the West Midlands) · West Midlands Rail Executive (councils and rail operators in the West Midlands) Latest updates: · Train, Metro and rail networks are operating reduced services because of the updated Government COVID-19 guidance [West Midlands Network, 30 March 2020]· 86% reduction in public transport journeys in the West Midlands as the public follow Government advice [TfWM, 29 March 2020]· Public are urged not to travel in the West Midlands unless absolutely necessary [TfWM, 23 March 2020]· Train franchise agreements are suspended and emergency measures are implemented where train companies operate services for a management fee [GOV.UK, 23 March 2020]· Transport construction projects controlled by TfWM, including Midland Metro Alliance works are temporarily paused [MMA, 23 March 2020]· Peak time travel restrictions are lifted for older passengers to be able to access dedicated supermarket opening hours [TfWM, 18 March 2020]· Cleaning services are strengthened on bus, train and metro services across the West Midlands. [TfWM, 18 March 2020] |
Supporting All Our CommunitiesContext: During this challenging time for the region, all communities need to come together to support people, particularly those who are vulnerable. WMCA and councils are working together to ensure that community efforts can contribute to the overall response to the COVID-19 outbreak effectively. The purpose of this activity is: · Work with faith and community organisations to co-ordinate support for those who need it · Support vulnerable communities in the West Midlands like those with mental health issues, disabilities or the homeless · The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · Faith leaders who have previously been engaged by WMCA, for example at the Mayor and Faith Conference · WMCA and Mayor’s Office working closely with local authorities Latest updates: · Set up Community Support Hub website, where people can find local groups near them [WMCA, 27 March 2020]· Making a listing of online learning courses available for people who are furloughed or working from home in the West Midlands [WMCA, 27 March 2020]· Hosted a webinar meeting of faith leaders to discuss community support offered by faith groups, encourage congregations to worship safely from home, and tackling hate crime · Launched a new call for donations to the Change Into Action alternative giving scheme to help the homeless in the West Midlands [WMCA, 25 March 2020] |
Communicating with the PublicContext: During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is critical that the public understand the medical guidance and act accordingly to tackle the virus. Due to restrictions on contact, public services will also have to change, and these changes need communicating to the public. Furthermore, this will be a worrying time for residents, and there is a need to reassure and comfort people, and to celebrate positive stories of people supporting one another through the crisis. The purpose of this activity is: · Ensure people in the West Midlands understand the Government’s guidance · Provide clear regional guidance on changes to public services, such as new transport timetables or skills provision · Explain what is being done in the West Midlands and reassure the public that there is a committed regional response to the crisis · Make the case for further Government support. The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · Regular Regional Press Briefing Sessions: These briefing sessions for the press are hosted by representatives from a range of public sector organisations in the region, including the Mayor, Public Health England, the NHS, West Midlands Police, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Birmingham City Council, and the Local Resilience Forum · West Midlands Regional Communications Directors’ Calls: These calls allow Communications Directors from councils, WMCA and other public bodies to co-ordinate communications activities across the West Midlands. Latest updates: · Amplifying the Government’s official guidance on COVID-19 to people in the West Midlands through WMCA’s communications channels · Providing clear regional guidance on changes to public services, such as new transport timetables or skills provision · Explaining what is being done in the West Midlands and making the case for further Government support through the Mayor’s media appearances. |
Adapting WMCA’s Own OperationsContext: WMCA as an organisation has responsibilities for supporting economic growth in the West Midlands, including transport, housing, skills, and making sure everyone in the West Midlands benefits from that economic growth through work on areas like mental health and homelessness. During the COVID-19 outbreak, WMCA will adapt to support the immediate needs of the West Midlands, working closely with public sector partners, and will also ensure that essential WMCA activities continue. The purpose of this activity is: · Keep our staff and those of our suppliers safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak · Reprioritise effort towards meeting the immediate needs for tackling the COVID-19 outbreak · Ensure essential WMCA operations continue. The structures leading this work in the West Midlands are: · WMCA Senior Leadership Team, led by Deborah Cadman, Chief Executive, WMCA · TfWM Leadership Team, led by Laura Shoaf, Managing Director, TfWM Latest updates: · Staff members have been instructed to work from home if they can, and only essential staff can work at the WMCA office at 16 Summer Lane in Birmingham · Supporting WMCA suppliers by shortening payment terms from ’30 days’ to ‘zero days’ and bolstering the team to ensure fast payments [WMCA]· Providing financial assurances to colleges and adult education providers in the West Midlands about future payments from WMCA. [WMCA, 24 March 2020] |
Heading: Coronavirus (CORVID19) – ISOLATION
Date: 31/03/2020
Details: ISOLATION
If you are in self-isolation because you have or may have contracted Covid-19 it is vital that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can contact the rest of the residents to let them know that they should take extra precautions and increase their sanitation and so that, as necessary, we can organise a deep clean of the communal areas in accordance with PHE guidance.
When you contact us, please can you also advise how you are organising deliveries, particularly food, to your apartment and how rubbish is to be disposed of. Please remember: –
- rubbish should only be placed outside of your apartment door at a specific time for collection.
- that whoever is picking up the rubbish should be properly protected.
- that all rubbish must be double bagged.
- rubbish which contains personal waste (e.g. tissues) and cleaning cloths must be isolated within the flat for 72 hours before being disposed of in communal bin stores.
We would also ask that you also let us know if you become aware that any of your neighbours have gone into self-isolation.
For further useful guidance regarding isolation and social distancing please go to
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others
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Heading: Coronavirus (CORVID19) – update
Date: 24/03/2020
Details: Following government guidelines, all staff for Compass Block Management are working remotely from home until further notice. Please continue to report any block maintenance issues via our online reporting system.
If you wish to speak to a member of staff by phone but are experiencing any problems getting through, please email [email protected]. Please leave your name, phone number, first line of your address and a quick summary of your enquiry in order that we may forward onto the relevant member of staff to respond to you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to maintain services as much as possible during this period.
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Heading: Coronavirus (CORVID19) – update
Date: 19/03/2020
Details: Please be aware that there is a resident at Garden Court who has self-isolated since 14th March and you should therefore take appropriate steps to try and ensure that you remain safe.
We would therefore recommend that you take time to log on to the Government web site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public for further advice.
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Heading: Coronavirus (CORVID19)
Date: 18/03/2020
Details: As you will be aware, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is spreading across the country and is a cause for concern for all of us. It is anticipated that COVID-19 will cause disruption to all businesses and to our day-to-day lives over the coming weeks and months.
As the government’s guidance is likely to change as time passes, we would like to make you aware we have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place to enable us to maintain a level of service during these unprecedented and difficult times.
Our office is currently open, but we have systems in place to allow our staff to work remotely if required. However, in the event that our BCP is put into effect and our office has to close, even with key staff working from home and engineers/contractors in the field, it is highly likely that you will experience some disruption in the services provided due to reduced capability. We will do whatever we can to minimise any such disruption but would ask for your patience and understanding while we work to maintain services during this period.
You will appreciate this is an evolving situation. We will continue to act on the advice provided by Public Health England and will inform you if there is any material change to our business continuity.
For further information and the latest advice regarding CORVID-19, please visit: –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
As it important that we are all kept up to date about the spread of CORVID-19, we ask that you inform us immediately if you or if you know of anyone in your apartment block who has either been diagnosed with CORVID-19 or advised to self-isolate. We can then make the other residents and the building service contractors aware of the situation.
We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Important – For Owners & Residents
To help protect the developments and individual properties during this period, we urge owners to ensure that all their electrical appliances, boilers, heaters, water supply, kitchen and bathroom plumbing are checked and maintained to minimise leaks. For all owners & residents, please ensure that the security of the development is maintained by ensuring the communal doors are shut when entering and exiting the premises. Please also be mindful of your neighbours regarding noise, especially during the day with more people having to work from home during this difficult period.
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Heading: Windows
Date: 21/02/2020
Details: We recommend that residents keep their windows shut with the high winds about. Unfortunately, 2 windows have already fell out as a result of the wind catching open windows.
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Heading: Dumped Mattress
Date: 19/02/2020
Details: A reminder that residents are responsible for booking out bulky item collections with the Council and not to dump large items on site. We have been advised that a mattress has been dumped by one of the residents. As such, we have had to book out the cleaning contractors to attend to this.
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Heading: Annual and Regular Service Checks on Hot Water Cylinders and Boilers
Date: 04/12/19
Details: We ask that all owners ensure their hot water cylinders & boilers are inspected on an annual basis with a copy of the Certificate provided to us.
Please note that owners may be held accountable for the full cost of repairs to communal areas and neighbouring properties if the cause was found to be faulty equipment that had not been regularly checked and maintained.
We also recommend that your apartment is checked on a monthly basis for areas where leaks can appear especially during these colder months:-
- Plumbing below sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets
- Beneath kitchen units by removing the kick panels
- Seals around kitchen splashbacks and taps
- Checking the airing cupboard to view hot water cylinders / boilers and other connections
- Seals around the joints between tiles and baths or showers
When a leak does occur, it will often be the result of a very simple issue that could have been detected at an earlier opportunity.
To reduce the chance of leaks and therefore minimising costs to yourselves and impacting on your neighbours, please do carry out regular checks on your apartments. Please forward Annual Certificates to [email protected] to confirm that hot water cylinders and boilers are being serviced and maintained.
Thanking you for your co-operation.
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Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 06/09/19
Details: We have been advised by the Council that unfortunately “the recycling service is severely behind at the moment”. The Council have advised all residents to place all rubbish in the general bins for the moment. Thank you.
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Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 04/07/19
Details: We are advised by the Council that unfortunately they are still behind with recycling bin collections and the service re-design is still ongoing. They advise that looking ahead they are starting to see better staffing levels and hopefully a return to consistency. They do advise that from next week the service should improve but the main problem area they are experiencing at the moment is the recycling area. In the meantime, residents are asked to ensure that all rubbish (including recycling) is placed in the general paladins provided when the recycling bins become full. Please ensure that all rubbish is broken down. Thank you.
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Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 16/01/19
Details: We have been regularly chasing the Council for an update with regards to the issues with lack of collection of the recycling bins. We have today received the following advice from the Council : As industrial action is ongoing please use the refuse bins for the time being to avoid further issues. We will keep you updated as we hear further.
Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 09/10/18
Details: We have spoken with the Council today who have confirmed that there is a city wide problem with the collection of the recycling bins. Can we ask that in the meantime residents dispose of all rubbish including their recycling rubbish in the general waste paladins provided. Please ensure that all cardboard is broken down to fit into the bin allowing for other residents to add items too. Please do not leave items outside of the bins as this will not be collected. Thanking you for your co-operation.
Heading: Recycling Bins and General Waste
Date: 05/10/18
Details: We have been regularly chasing up the Council to ensure that the recycling bins are emptied and regularly emptied as per their schedule. The Council are responsible for ensuring that this is done so we would ask residents also to chase up the Council too given that you pay your taxes to them for this service. The more people that report may prompt the Council to take note and finally do so something about the situation. The Council have advised in the past that there have been issues with the recycling bins in that they have been contaminated by residents not disposing of waste correctly.
We have put to them whether it would be worth removing the recycling bins and having more normal waste bins in place. The Council have advised that they are reluctant to do this advising that they have certain “recycling targets” that they must meet. For all residents please do ensure your waste is disposed of correctly so that when the Council attend, they have no excuse not to empty the bins. Thanking you for your co-operation – obviously we will continue to chase.
Heading: External Lights
Date: 17/09/18
Details: Contractors have been booked to attend to change the timings for the external lighting given the nights are drawing in.
Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 03/09/18
Details: We have and will continue to chase the Council with regards to the recycling bins which we note are overflowing. We have asked them to attend to as soon as possible.
Heading: Recycling Bins – Contamination
Date: 07/09/18
Details: We are having problems with contamination of the recycling bins.
If the wrong recycling items are put in a recycling bin and it is then deemed to be contaminated, then it will not be emptied by the recycling refuse collectors.
As managing agent, we only find out that this has happened when a recycling bin is filled to overflowing and we contact Birmingham City Council about it. They will then arrange for the bin to emptied and the waste to be disposed of as non-recyclable rubbish, which not only rather defeats the purpose of a recycling bin but can and often does involve an additional collection charge.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU PUT THE RIGHT RECYCLING ITEMS IN TO THE RIGHT RECYCLING BIN.
Also: –
• When disposing of cardboard boxes, please collapse them first: it does not take many un-collapsed boxes to fill a recycling bin.
• If the recycling bins are full then you must put your recycling in to one of the general waste paladins. Do not leave any recycling items on the floor as they will not be taken away.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Heading: Front Door
Date: 04/09/18
Details: The door closure has been changed on the front door and parts are on order for a number of the floor lights which are not working in the communal gardens.
Heading: Large Item Being Dumped
Date: 03/09/18
Details: A reminder that residents are responsible for booking out bulky item collections with the Council and not to dump large items on site. We have been advised that a bed has been dumped by one of the residents. As such, we have had to book out the cleaning contractors to attend to this.
Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 03/09/18
Details: We have and will continue to chase the Council with regards to the recycling bins which we note are overflowing. We have asked them to attend to as soon as possible.
Heading: Front Door
Date: 23/08/18
Details: Contractors have been booked out following reports of an issue with the main front white door.
Heading: Leaks from hot water cylinders
Date: 13/07/18
Details: It has come to our attention that there have been a number of leaks from apartments where water has gone into the smoke alarms and consequently set off the fire alarm system. On checking, most of these leaks have been caused from faulty hot water cylinders. Can we please ask all leaseholders to ensure that all boilers / hot water cylinders are regularly inspected and serviced. For leaseholders with tenants in situ, please ask your tenants to report immediately to you or your letting agent if they believe that there is an issue. Thanking you for your co-operation.
Heading: Disruption to electricity supply
Date: 11/07/18
Details: Western Power Distribution have advised there is currently a powercut in Edgbaston B16 and the surrounding area. They advise via their website that they are working on the issue and estimate to have the power restored by 10:30am.
Heading: Fob & Access Update
Date: 23/05/18
Details: As per the circulars and development alert, access via the courtyard door will be by fob only.
Heading: Bins
Date: 02/05/18
Details: We are aware that the refuse bins do not appear to have been emptied for some time. We have been in touch with the Council asking them to attend immediately.
Heading: External Lighting
Date: 11/04/18
Details: Contractors have been booked out to attend to the external lighting to change the settings given the lighter nights. We have asked the contractors to set for the lights to come on when it starts to get dark.
Heading: Tree Surgeon
Date: 11/04/18
Details: Due to the issues experienced impacting on properties with the roots from a nearby tree, another tree surgeon has been booked out to attend as although the tree has been cut down, there is an issue with the roots.
Heading: Security Update
Date: 08/02/18
Details: For security reasons, all fobs will need to be reprogrammed. A contractor will be onsite on Wednesday 21st February 2018 between the hours of 8.00am and 11.00am. Circulars are being sent out and emails providing further details. Please ensure you hand over your old fob to the contractor so he can either replace or reprogram for you. Thank you.
Heading: Internal light sweep and digital lock repairs
Date: 27/10/17
Details: The contractor has carried out a full internal light sweep at the development, and tested and maintained all meter digital locks following reports of residents having problems.