Heading: Large Build Up of Rubbish
Date: 24/05/2024
Details: Following reports about the build up of rubbish that has been dumped by the bins – we have been out and identified the source.  We have made contact with the person responsible to ensure that the rubbish is removed.  We will be monitoring the situation.

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Heading: Disposal of Rubbish / Use of the Bins
Date: 05/01/2024
Details: In order to keep the bin store / area clean and tidy we should be grateful if you would follow these simple rules when disposing of your rubbish: –

• Ensure that all rubbish is in a properly sealed bin bag.
• Ensure that all rubbish is put in to one of the paladins, or the appropriate recycling bin and not left on the floor inside or outside the bin store / bin area. The bin men will not take away any rubbish that is not in a paladin or recycling bin and will not empty the paladins or recycling bins if there are bags of rubbish impeding access.
• Do not overfill the paladins or recycling bins when other paladins have room in them.
• Only place Plastics, Metal & Glass in the Recycling Bins – in the event that the Recycling Bins are full then the Council have advised you must place the items in the general waste bins provided.
• When disposing of cardboard boxes, please collapse them first before placing them in the bins provided.
• If you have any bulky rubbish for disposal (mattresses, furniture, etc.) please organise and book direct via your local Council – Waste & Recycling.
• For further information about what may or may not be placed in the bins please visit https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20009/waste_and_recycling

Please dispose of your rubbish with care otherwise the bin store / area only becomes an unpleasant place attracting vermin and result in extra cost to your service charge with clean up costs.  Should we become aware of any residents that are not disposing of their rubbish correctly then they will incur breach of lease charges, together with covering the cost of any additional clean up.

Thank you for your urgent co-operation.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 06/09/2023
Details: To confirm we have instructed the solicitors, Gateley, on behalf of St Michael’s Court (Hockley) Limited, (The Client).  Gateley were provided with all the information that was supplied to us by Birmingham City Council.  Gately subsequently advised that they need  to proceed with the first step and review conveyancing documents to determine the ownership of the boundary wall at St Michael’s Court and Warstone Lane Cemetery.  Gately will supply us with the title review and will prepare written advice which we will then communicate to the leaseholders.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 28/06/2023
Details: Following all our chasing, we have now been contacted by the Council to advise that whilst they believe they are responsible for Warstone Lane Cemetery, they do not believe they own or are responsible for that part of the boundary wall that collapsed.  The Management Company are taking legal advice following this feedback – we will keep you updated on the situation.

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Heading: Parking
Date: 21/06/2023
Details: We would remind all owners and residents that all car parking spaces in the car park and to the front of the development are allocated.

If you do find that someone is parking incorrectly in your space, a windscreen notice is available for you to download via our website at www.compass-bm.com to place on the vehicle concerned.  If your space is being used by another resident at St Michaels Court, please let us know the apartment number in order that we may charge a breach of lease to the leaseholder concerned.  If you find that a non-resident is parking within your allocated parking space you can look to the Police via Report antisocial behaviour | Metropolitan Police

We do not hold full details for other occupants of premises in Warstone Parade East.  We have, however, sent general letters out to some of the suspected premises reiterating that the spaces do not belong to them.  They must also ensure that any visitors they may have do not park within the St Michaels Court spaces.

We can confirm that leaseholders may look to install parking bollards where their space may accommodate the fitting and prove beneficial.  We are looking at parking control companies and will keep you updated on any progress made.

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Heading: Bin Store
Date: 21/06/2023
Details: We have been chasing the contractors about the bin store installation – once installed a notice will be displayed advising that the bins are for residents of St Michaels Court only.  The Council have reiterated that if you see anyone fly tipping or dumping their rubbish who is a non-resident then you need to report to [email protected]  We have reported again to the Council that certainly other occupants of premises within Warstone Parade East are using the facilities for St Michaels Court.  As the Council will hold property numbers, addresses and may hold occupant details, we have requested that they contact the occupants providing them with information / leaflets reminding occupants about waste disposal.  We have also mentioned that, following feedback from some residents at St Michaels Court, that some non-residents do not have their own bins.  This is something the Council will need to address.

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Heading: Undercroft
Date: 21/06/2023
Details: We are chasing the contractors in relation to the repair and redecoration of the undercroft.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 05/05/2023
Details: We have advised the Council and Building Engineers that we will appoint the local MP in the event that no positive feedback and action plan is received.

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Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 05/05/2023
Details: The Council have been out to collect the recycling bins.  We have also chased up about fly tipping in the area.  The Council have asked that any fly tipping issues are reported direct to them via [email protected]

We have instructed contractors to install a bin store which will have coded access to try and eliminate non-residents dumping rubbish in the bins for St Michaels Court.

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Heading: Recycling Bins
Date: 02/05/2023
Details: We have chased up Birmingham City Council about the issue with the recycling bins not being collected again.

As you will be aware, you pay for bin collection services via your Council Tax bills (which you pay direct to Birmingham City Council).  Please do not hesitate to report direct to Birmingham City Council when collections are missed – Report a missed bin or sack collection | Birmingham City Council

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Heading: Fire Safety – Leaseholders with Tenants
Date: 26/04/2023
Details: For leaseholders with tenants in situ, please ensure that your tenants and future tenants are provided with any safety information upon occupancy. Please also find attached brief leaflet for landlords and tenants in relation to fire safety as issued by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. You will find additional information on the communal Notice Board. 

Fire_Safety_in_Shared_or_Rented_Accommodation_v4

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 12/04/2023
Details: We are constantly chasing the Council and Building Engineers.  We have received the following update from the Director of Project and Programme Management:-

“The work have been passed to the project team now all of the surveys and investigative work has completed.  However, we were advised last week by BCC Bereavement Services that there is a legal dispute around ownership and a request to put on hold the long term remedial works whilst the dispute is being dealt with by BCC Legal.

As soon as I have any further information, I will update you.  At present, ,we are waiting for further instruction from BCC”.

We will keep chasing and relay any updates we receive.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 22/02/2023
Details: We have sent a chaser over to the Building Surveyor to find out whether the surveys have been received by them as per our notice update on 2nd February 2023.

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Heading: Waste Disposal & Recycling
Date: 07/02/2023
Details: On behalf of the residents, we have asked the main contact we have for the waste department at Birmingham City Council, to take a look at the situation with the bins.  We understand that the recycling bins are not regularly being collected and general waste bins are full within hours of collection.  We await their input to hopefully find a better solution with waste disposal and recycling.

As you will be aware, you pay for bin collection services via your Council Tax bills (which you pay direct to Birmingham City Council).  Please do not hesitate to report direct to Birmingham City Council when collections are missed – Report a missed bin or sack collection | Birmingham City Council

We will also revert once we hear back from the Council.

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Heading: Storage of Items in Communal Areas
Date: 03/02/2023
Details: Please be advised that under no circumstances are items to be left in the communal areas.  To do so is a breach of the Fire Regulations.  Should items remain in situ, then Compass Block Management on behalf of the Management Company will look to issue a Tort Notice and carry out TORT proceedings.

Thank you for your urgent co-operation.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 02/02/2023
Details: We have received the following update from the Building Surveyor:-

“In short I am awaiting updates from the Surveying team who are delivering the surveys requested.  Once we are in receipt of this I will need to have additional discussions with my project team to determine a plan and timescales for undertaking repairs.  As you are fully aware this site is very challenging being listed and built near graves.  As a result the investigation works are taking longer than anticipated.  I sincerely apologise for the delays but please be rest assured we are working hard to find solutions to this issue”

We have advised the Council and their contractors that, whilst the above is noted, the main frustrations are the lack of any response from the Council prior to the wall collapsing (even though we had made contact with them advising that the wall was going to collapse), the fact that the Council took so long to action proceedings for repair once the wall had collapsed.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 01/02/2023
Details: We have sent a chaser over to the Building Surveyor as we have not heard back from him.  Obviously, we are into the second month of a fresh year with no definitive information or dates for action.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 25/01/2023
Details: Having chased again for an urgent update, we have been advised by the Council that “some of the investigations have been more difficult and taken longer than initially anticipated, which have impacted upon the timeline”. 

We are advised that the Building Surveyor will provide a more detailed explanation.  We will relay as soon as we receive.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 18/01/2023
Details: Despite chasing, we have still not heard back from the Council.  We will continue to chase and post updates on the situation.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 10/01/2023
Details: We are still chasing for an update from the Council and Consultants in connection with the next process to rectify the boundary wall.  We will continue to chase.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 06/01/2023
Details: We are chasing up the Council and Consultants for an update on the next stage / process to rectify the collapsed boundary wall.  We will post updates as we hear further.

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Heading: Bins
Date: 06/01/2023
Details: A reminder to all residents that in the event that the recycling bins are full, recycling rubbish must be placed in the general waste bins provided.  DO NOT PLACE GENERAL WASTE IN THE RECYCLING BINS – the bin men will refuse to take the recycling bins.  Please also do not put any rubbish on the floor – the bin men will not take.  We will contact Birmingham City Council again on behalf of the residents to advise that there are issues with the recycling collections.  It is Birmingham City Council who collect the bins, the services for which are paid for via your Council Tax Bills.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 03/11/2022
Details: Further to our notification dated 13 October 2022, we can confirm that various consultants and engineers for the Council will be on site on Tuesday 8 November 2022.  As such and in order for them to complete essential drilling investigation work, they have requested all vehicles are removed from the car park on that day please.  We appreciate this is an inconvenience but obviously we are all keen for the Council to carry out all works as quickly as possible.

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Heading: Gates
Date: 31/10/2022
Details: The contractors have been in attendance and advised that the quick release mechanism is bent and split.  They have had to order a replacement and once received, they will repair the gates.

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Heading: Gates
Date: 19/10/2022
Details: We have received a report that there is an issue with the gates not working properly.  We have instructed the contractors to attend.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 13/10/2022
Details: We have received the following update from the Council:-

“I am seeking permission for our appointed geotechnical consultant, Steven Dempsey from a company called Obsidian Geo-Consulting Ltd, to access the courtyard/ car park are with a drilling crew on Thursday 20^th October. 

The drilling crew comprises a track mounted rig and this will be used to undertake 2 boreholes on the car park side of the wall. 

A hand dug pit is excavated first and this is followed with the drilling rig.  In essence the rig drives 38mm diameter tubes into the ground.  The noise being generated isn’t excessive but the tubes are driven by percussive method –  a weight is dropped on to the tube and this happens in a series of short bursts, rather than a continuous and lengthy period….sounds like a large hammer clanging metal.

You will be aware that we have previously carried out GPR surveying in the car park and we have located some buried services – which of course we will be avoiding.  The exact positions of the two boreholes is being determined and may change slightly once on site.  However, I will follow up this email with a proposed borehole location plan so you can see where we intend to drill.

From a previous site meeting attended by Steven I understand the surfacing is block paviours.  To facilitate drilling both boreholes it will be necessary for us to remove  approx. 3×3 block paviours. These will be put to one side and reinstated after the drilling has been completed.

Also on Thursday 20^th October I have asked a surveyor from a company called 3D Scan Solutions Ltd to attend site to carry out laser scanning of the wall and adjoining land. I am therefore seeking your permission to allow said surveyor into the car park area on this day too.

One other surveyor will need access into the carpark,  to view the wall and take some photos. This will be a conservation specialist. I am in the process of arranging a possible date with the consultant  and I will get back to you to seek your further permission once I have a date to aim for”

To confirm that we have given authority to attend on Thursday 20th October 2022.  A member of staff from Compass will also be available to attend site if required.

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Heading: Issue
Date: 11/10/2022
Details: We have been onto Birmingham City Council about the recycling collections.  We have also enquired about what action may be taken, if any, in relation to reported fly tipping.  We have received the following response:-

“there were problems with recycling previously, but this should have been ironed out now.  As for Fly-Tipping, as St. Michaels Court is quite wide open then there is little we can do and it is a nightmare for B.C.C”

If you do become aware of anyone who is regularly fly tipping, please contact Birmingham City Council immediately (an apportionment of your Council Tax bill is to pay for your bin collections – obviously rubbish that has been fly tipped will impact on the collections with the bin men refusing to take rubbish). 

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Heading: Rubbish Removal
Date: 29/09/2022
Details: We have been on site ourselves as note this is becoming a real issue with the rubbish being dumped. We noted that whilst some labels did relate to other addresses, there were quite a few labels that related to Apartments at St Michaels. To try and resolve this issue, we will be contacting the leaseholders for those apartments at St Michaels Court which we have identified and they will incur breach of lease charges. In terms of the overall bin collections by the Council, the cost of the bin collection service is paid for by residents through their Council Tax bills. Residents can look to contact the Council about the situation too. We have been made aware by some residents that people are fly tipping. Whilst an immediate thought would be to install CCTV, this would not necessarily give us the details from where these people are coming from if we did not recognise their faces – this brings into question whether this would be a viable expense. What we are doing though is liaising with the Council as we wonder whether there is an option to put a padlocked bin store in place? Obviously, only the residents at St Michaels Court would have the code. That said, we would need to consider how viable it was to install a bin store given limited space and / or whether this would stop fly tippers.  We will keep you updated as we liaise further with the Council about this.

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Heading: Rubbish Removal
Date: 28/09/2022
Details: The bin men have refused to take away the recycling rubbish advising that “the bins are contaminated with unsuitable items therefore our crew is unable to empty them”.  This has meant we have had to instruct private contractors to attend to clean up the rubbish that has been dumped.  As such, this will incur additional costs on the accounts which will impact on budgets.  Breach of lease charges will be incurred by those occupants who have failed to dispose of their rubbish correctly.

As advised on many occasions, the bin men WILL NOT TAKE away any rubbish that is dumped on top of the bins or on the floor.  They will refuse to take away the bins where access is limited or prohibited by rubbish that has been dumped on the floor.

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Heading: Internal Repairs and Redecoration
Date: 16/09/2022
Details: We are in the process of gathering quotes for the internal repairs and redecoration of the communal staircases.  We will post updates.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 14/09/2022
Details: We have today received the following update from the Council:-

“On Monday (12^th September) I issued Rajiv with a survey drawing which locates detected utilities and grave positions within the designated survey area adjacent to the failing wall. This follows the GPR scanning which took place on your land and the cemetery side 25^th August.  

The same deliverable was also sent to our specialist geo-enviromental engineer  and he has  been interrogating the data to determine the best locations for their the next step, which is to attend site and carry out  exploratory holes on both sides of the wall (each side thought likely to comprise 4 x hand dug inspection pits to 1.2m, two of which will be progressed with small diameter window sampler drilling). 

Once locations are confirmed I will provide a plan showing the intended locations and also propose a date inline with the drilling rig availability.

However, because the wall is within the curtilage of grade 2 listed site I am waiting on further direction from Birmingham City Councils Conservation Officer…it is likely the investigation could only go ahead with the attendance of an overseeing Archaeologist present during the works.  Once I have a steer on this, and received a provisional date from the drilling contractor, I will be able to advise when the next phase (intrusive ground investigation) can take place – subject to your permission for us to gain access onto your site”.

We will continue to keep you updated as we hear further.

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Heading: Rubbish Removal
Date: 14/09/2022
Details: As you will have noted from our previous postings, there have been issues with bin collections in and around the area.  In the event that the bins are not collected, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Council as bin collections do form part of the Council service and your Council Tax bill.  To ensure that the bin men have no excuse not to collect the bins, please ensure that no rubbish is dumped outside of the bins – the bin men will refuse to take.  We are aware that rubbish has been dumped to the front of the development.  We have relayed to the leaseholder of the apartment – they must ensure that all the rubbish is removed, together with the rubbish dumped on top of the bins.  A reminder that breach of lease charges, together with clean up costs will be incurred by leaseholders in the event that additional rubbish has been left out which falls in excess of the regular bin collection capacities.

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Heading: Collapsed Boundary Wall
Date: 02/09/2022
Details: Having chased the Council about the next plan of action and timings, we have received an acknowledgement to advise that the Council are seeking updates from the various teams and will get back to us.  We will revert as soon as we hear further but will continue to chase as required.

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Heading: Collapsed Boundary Wall
Date: 01/09/2022
Details: Further to our posting on 31st August 2022 as below, we have been advised that quite a few members of staff at the Council are currently on annual leave.  The main contact there, Bev Nash, will be returning on 8th September 2022.  We will chase Bev upon her return and post the update we receive.

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Heading: Parking Permits
Date: 31/08/2022
Details: We have been chasing up the Council (as there is a new contact in place who is overseeing the issue with the boundary wall) in relation to the impact that the collapsed wall and scaffolding has had on many of the car parking spaces.  The Council have advised that for those residents who are unable to use their car parking space then they should contact the Council direct.  The Council advise:-

“We would be able to request a parking permit on their behalf. We would require the following details:

• Full name
• Address
• Vehicle registration number

It would also be useful to have a contact number in case of any queries during the period of the permit.

Please email Bev Nash ([email protected]) and copy in [email protected] and [email protected]”

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Heading: Collapsed Boundary Wall
Date: 31/08/2022
Details: We are currently awaiting feedback from the Council following attendance by the Surveying Team.  We have asked them to confirm the next course of action and timescales.  As soon as we hear further, we will post an update.

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Heading: Post Boxes
Date: 30/08/2022
Details: A reminder to the leaseholders who have post boxes just by the communal gates, that leaseholders are responsible for their own individual post boxes.

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Heading: Grounds Maintenance
Date: 19/08/2022
Details: As you will be aware, from the impact the collapsed wall and scaffolding that is in place, it is difficult for the grounds maintenance team to clean and tidy the car park.  Certainly, there are areas that the grounds maintenance team are unable to access due to health & safety implications, obstructions and restrictions.  We have reiterated the issues that are being caused to the Council.  The grounds maintenance team will not be able to remove the rubble that has been left from the collapsed wall (due to guidance from the Council), however, they will address the weeds which they can successfully get to for the time being.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 19/08/2022
Details:  Both the Director of Compass and Property Maintenance Manager met with the Council and contractors assigned by the Council in relation to the boundary wall (belonging to the Council) which has fallen into disrepair and in particular collapsed into the car park of St Michaels Court.  You will note that this issue has been ongoing for months with Compass regularly chasing up the Council to get resolved.  The issue has been assigned to new teams for the Council and their contractors.  They have apologised for the extreme delays experienced.  We are advised that unfortunately there is a significant amount of work required by the Council and their contractors due to the nature of the adjoining grounds (being the cemetery).  We understand that historical records, listed building criteria, cemetery records, tree listings and health & safety regulations are amongst some of the areas that need to be addressed.  We have been advised that the surveying team will be in attendance on Thursday 25th August 2022.  We will post updates as we hear further and will continue to keep chasing on behalf of the Management Company for St Michaels Court.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 07/06/2022
Details:  We have received acknowledgement from the local MP as follows : “Further to recent correspondence, I am now writing to confirm that we have written to the Council on your behalf and we will write to you again as soon as we receive any response”.  We will update this site once we have further information.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 26/05/2022
Details: We note that no works have been undertaken by the Council and/or their contractors to repair their boundary wall.  We have been repeatedly chasing them about the situation.  Due to the lack of any response from the Council and the fact that they were fully aware of the imminent danger of the wall collapsing, we have contacted the local MP – Shabana Mahmood.  We have offered to meet the MP on site so she can see first hand the severity of the situation.  We will keep you updated as we hear further.

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Heading: Rubbish Removal
Date: 22/04/2022
Details: We understand that the bin men have refused again to take away the recycling rubbish advising that items have not been disposed of correctly.  They have advised that the recycling bins have been “cross-contaminated” as some general rubbish has been disposed.  As such, we have instructed contractors to attend to empty all the bins.  We will also be contacting the Council about this.

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Heading: Rubbish Removal
Date: 28/03/2022
Details: We understand that the bin men have refused to take away the recycling rubbish advising that items have not been disposed of correctly.  They have advised that the recycling bins have been “cross-contaminated” as some general rubbish has been disposed.  As such, we have instructed contractors to attend to empty all the bins.  

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Heading: Vehicular Gates
Date: 016/03/2022
Details: We note that there has been an issue with the vehicular gates.  The contractors have been in attendance to open up the gates.  They advise that a new capacitator is required which will be fitted in due course.  The gates will remain open for the time being.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 01/03/2022
Details: Despite repeatedly chasing the Council and their contractors, we are not receiving any sort of feedback from them.  We have stressed to them that this has been going on for months and reiterated that it was ourselves that contacted them to advise the wall was going to collapse.  As you will know, the wall did subsequently collapse.  We have been asking the Council and their contractors to provide us with full information on what work has been done, when works are to be completed and scaffolding removed.  As soon as we receive any feedback, we will post an update.

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Heading: Urgent Scaffolding Installation – Update – Monday 15th November 2021
Date: 05/11/2021
Details: Please be advised that the contractors instructed on behalf of Birmingham City Council, Acivico, will be erecting scaffolding on Monday 15^th November 2021 not Monday 8th November 2021 as previously advised as they have had to change round and apologise for this.  This is to carry out essential investigation works in respect of the crumbling boundary wall.

As such, please ensure that all vehicles are removed from the courtyard area by Monday 15^th November 2021 at 9.00am.  We are advised that the scaffolding will remain in place for a number of weeks.  We are looking to Birmingham City Council to recover all parking costs incurred during this period.  In the meantime, please do retain all details and receipts. 

We will keep you updated on timescales with regards to the scaffolding and parking costs via the website.  

Please note that the Management Company and Compass Block Management will not accept any responsibility or liability for any accidents, damage or loss incurred to any vehicles that have not been moved whilst Birmingham City Council and / or its contractors carry out these works

 

Heading: Urgent Scaffolding Installation – Monday 8th November 2021
Date: 05/11/2021
Details: Please be advised that the contractors instructed on behalf of Birmingham City Council, Acivico, will be erecting scaffolding on Monday 8^th November 2021.  This is to carry out essential investigation works in respect of the crumbling boundary wall.

As such, please ensure that all vehicles are removed from the courtyard area by Monday 8^th November 2021 at 9.00am.  We are advised that the scaffolding will remain in place for a number of weeks.  We are looking to Birmingham City Council to recover all parking costs incurred during this period.  In the meantime, please do retain all details and receipts. 

We will keep you updated on timescales with regards to the scaffolding and parking costs via the website.  

Please note that the Management Company and Compass Block Management will not accept any responsibility or liability for any accidents, damage or loss incurred to any vehicles that have not been moved whilst Birmingham City Council and / or its contractors carry out these works

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Heading: Boundary Wall Update
Date: 19/10/2021
Details: We are continually chasing the Council / their contractors in relation to repairs to the boundary wall.  The latest update we have received from the Senior Building Surveyor is that he is due to meet the contractors tomorrow.  He has asked that they put the scaffolders on a short lead in time and that any preparatory works needed before the scaffold is erected is programmed in.

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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: Boundary Wall
Date: 30/09/2021
Details: We are continually chasing up Birmingham City Council about when works are due to be carried out to repair their boundary wall which has collapsed into the courtyard / car park area.  Unfortunately, we have not been provided with any definitive details or dates.  As soon as we hear anything further, we will update the website.

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Heading: Grounds Maintenance
Date: 30/09/2021
Details: Please be advised that contractors, Collins Co, will be on site on Wednesday 6th October 2021 to make a start on the grounds maintenance.  Unfortunately, as we seem to be no further forward with the Council for the boundary wall works, Collins Co will at least attend to the weeds and overgrowth where they can.  As such, we would be grateful if you could organise for your vehicles to be parked off site from 9.30am to 5.00pm on Wednesday 6th October 2021.  If you do incur any off road parking costs during this process, please email [email protected] with your details and copy receipt for reimbursement.  Thank you.

Please note that the Management Company, Compass Block Management and Collins Co will not accept any responsibility or liability for any accidents, damage or loss incurred to any vehicles that have not been moved (or arrangements made to move on the day) from the car park whilst grounds maintenance works are being carried out.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 18/08/2021
Details: We have been advised on the following:-

“The proposal for the damaged wall is to construct scaffolding on both sides of the wall (residential car park and cemetery). The scaffolding would brace the wall to allow the necessary repairs to be undertaken safely”.

We are advised this would mean that additional car park spaces would be sectioned off – we are chasing to find out how residents affected can claim back the parking from them. We are advised that the estimated time for the works to be undertaken would be around 4 – 5 weeks which will include the scaffolding being built and the wall being made safe. We are also advised that the the drawings for the scaffolding will take around 7 – 10 days to complete and once the drawings have been issued, then the scaffolding could be installed within a few days once the drawings have been issued to the scaffold contractor. We have been chasing to find out any sort of likely timescales and are still waiting for an update. We have made the council and the council contractors aware that the new grounds maintenance team are waiting to address works – it may be that the grounds maintenance team will make a start to the areas which will not be affected. As soon as we hear anything further we will update the system.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 06/08/2021
Details: Despite persistent chasing to the Council you will note that the boundary wall collapsed.  As you will see, the Council have cornered off the area and are addressing necessary repairs.  We are chasing for updates.

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Heading: Grounds Maintenance
Date: 06/08/2021
Details: We can confirm that we have disinstructed the contractors previously used. The new contractors are Collins Co. They will be looking to carry out grounds maintenance works as soon as possible (currently waiting for works to be completed on the boundary wall belonging to the Council).

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 30/06/2021
Details: We are advised that the Senior Structural Engineer for the cemetery will be inspecting the boundary wall.  We will be meeting them on site at St Michaels Court tomorrow. 

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Heading: Site Inspection and Update
Date: 22/06/2021
Details: Further to a recent site inspection carried out by Compass Block Management, we can relay the following:-

Boundary Wall – the boundary wall belongs to the local cemetery / council.  You will have noted that the wall is in poor condition.  We have been continually chasing the cemetery / council about this situation.  A surveyor for the cemetery finally came out.  We are chasing up as we understand a report has been provided to the cemetery / council, together with costings.  We have also had contractors out on behalf of the management company to provide independent advice.  We will keep you updated via the website.

Grounds – we had instructed contractors to attend to all the weeding, jetwashing, cutting back and thorough clean up of the development.  As you will note, they have not attended to this. As such, we have instructed new contractors to attend.  They will be meeting with us on site this week or over the weekend so we can show them the development, confirm costings and then look to commence works asap.

Rear Door and Frame – contractors have been instructed to quote for repair / replacement of the rear door and frame located towards the small parcel of land located via the courtyard and rear of the communal area to apartments.

Car park grills – contractors have been instructed to quote for repair / replacement.

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Heading: Courtyard
Date: 26/05/2021
Details: We have been chasing the cleaning contractors with regards to the condition of the courtyard.  We have advised that they need to ensure that they not only do a general clean up but ensure all weeds are removed and overgrowth cut back.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 26/05/2021
Details: The contractors for the Council have been out to inspect the boundary wall of which they are responsible.  We are chasing them for an update as we have not heard further back from them since the inspection.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 11/03/2021
Details: The Council have reverted to to confirm that contractors have been requested to attend the site to inspect the area from both sides of the wall.  They advise they will prepare a quote which will then have to be authorised by the Council before work can proceed.  We will continue to update the website once we hear further.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 16/02/2021
Details: We have been advised that the contact we had has moved to another area within the Council.  He has, however, reported to his line manager to gain an update on the situation and will let us know.  Once we hear back, we will provide an update.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 27/01/2020
Details: Despite regular chasers to the Council over the last couple of years about the boundary wall (of which they are responsible), we have heard nothing further.  We have sent another chaser today reiterating that the wall is in disrepair with brickwork falling into the car park.  We will continue to keep chasing and provide an update once we hear anything.

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Heading: Noise & Large Gatherings
Date: 24/11/2020
Details: We understand that unfortunately noise and disturbance has been experienced from one of the apartments.  We understand that the police have been contacted, in particular with regards to concerns about the number of people gathering in the apartment during lockdown.  To confirm that the owners have been contacted.  

A reminder to all that it is a breach of lease to cause noise and disturbance to neighbours.  If you do experience any problems please report to the police and ensure that you relay to us.  Breach of lease charges will also be incurred if problems persist.

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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: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 03/07/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 03.07.2020

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Heading: West Midlands COVID-19 Update
Date: 19/06/2020
Details: Please see West Midlands update we have received Covid 19 – update 19.06.2020

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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 05.06.202

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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: Gardening
Date: 12/05/2020
Details: Contractors have been instructed to cut back the buddleia surrounding the car park.  They have also been instructed to attend to the weeds growing in the car park and to the front of the building.

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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:-

West Midlands COVID-19 Update Latest updates as at: Monday 30 March 2020, 20:00 Purpose of this briefing This 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 public Stay at home You 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 NHS You 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 lives You 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

 

Further information ·         Latest PHE / NHS data on COVID-19 cases in the West Midlands

 

WMCA’s response to COVID-19 WMCA 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 Sector Context: 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 Economy Context: 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 Network Context: 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 Communities Context: 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 Public Context: 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 Operations Context: 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 (COVID19) – 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 (COVID19)
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 COVID-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 COVID-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 COVID-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: Window Frame Work
Date: 13/02/2020
Details: We can confirm that a cherry picker will be on site to the front of the building to attend to window sills from Wednesday 4th March 2020 to Friday 6th March 2020.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 27/01/2020
Details: We had been advised that a survey to the boundary wall would be undertaken especially in light of the works being carried out to the cemetery.  Despite regular chasers to the Council last year about this though we have heard nothing further.  We have logged as an issue with the main office due to the lack of information provided.  We will continue to chase up and keep you updated.

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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: Car Park Gates
Date: 03/12/19
Details: Contractors have been booked to attend to inspect the gates following reports that they seem to be intermittently working.

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Heading: Bins
Date: 03/10/19
Details: In order to keep your bin store/area clean and tidy and reduce the risk of rodents appearing, we should be grateful if you would follow these simple recommendations when disposing of your rubbish: –

• Ensure that all general rubbish is in properly sealed bin bags.
• Place all your rubbish in either a paladin or the appropriate recycling bin.

The bin men will not remove any rubbish that is not in a paladin / recycling bin and will not empty any paladin / recycling bin if there are any rubbish bags or other items on the floor that are in any way impeding free access to and from the bin store / area, so please do not leave anything on the floor in the bin store /area.

We appreciate that there have also been issues with bin collections.  The Council have advised that this is down to problems with their schedules – we are regularly chasing them about this though.

• Do not overfill a paladin when there are other paladins with space in them.
• When disposing of cardboard boxes, please collapse them first: it does not take many un-collapsed boxes to fill a paladin or recycling bin.

With particular regard to the recycling bins: –

• Please make sure that you put the right recycling items in the right recycling bin. If a recycling bin is contaminated it will only be emptied if an additional decontamination charge is paid.
• 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.

Finally: –

• If you have any bulky items (mattresses, refrigerators, etc.) to dispose of, please go online to birmingham.gov.uk and click on Waste & Recycling for advice.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

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Heading: Boundary Wall
Date: 26/09/19
Details: We have been chasing the Council with regards to their boundary wall that backs onto the cemetery.  We have been advised that although improvement works are in place for the cemetery (which we have noted are taking place now) the wall has not been included.  We have been advised however that they have requested a survey on the wall and we are chasing for the outcome of this survey.

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Heading: Weeds
Date: 26/09/19
Details: We have booked out contractors to attend to the weeds that are growing around the grounds of the development.

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Heading: Blocked Drains
Date: 26/09/19
Details: Following the torrential rain and reports about the level of water at the development, Dyno-Rod have been in attendance today and cleared the drains and gutters.

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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: External Redecoration Works – commencing Monday 10th June 2019
Date: 06/06/19
Details: External redecoration works are due to commence on Monday 10th June 2019.

Please find detailed useful information received from the contractors, Whittle Programming Painting:-

• Our hours of work are 8am – 4.30pm Mon –Thurs & 8am – 3.30 pm on Fridays .
• We will most likely be on site for around 5-6 working days depending on the weather.
• A lot of the front windows have historically been painted shut, so we would not require these open. The problems come with the doors for both undercoating and glossing – these will need to be opened and left open for around 4 hours. We cannot be held responsible for any damage to paintwork if the doors are closed before the paint is dry.
The best option is for the residents to contact our contractor direct to make arrangements. We will put his details on the notification slips that will be displayed on site.
• The cars that are parked close to the wall will need to be moved to allow access to paint the adjacent windows in the car park area.
• The Cherry picker will need to be used once on site and parked up overnight in the rear car park in an available space from 4.30pm – 8am Mon –Mon (8 days ).

If we could ask that residents who are parked in the areas identified above to ensure that the spaces are vacant please whilst the work is being undertaken.

Thanking you for your co-operation.

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Heading: Car Parking
Date: 13/05/19
Details: We would remind all owners and residents that all car parking spaces in the car park are allocated.

You must not park, or give permission for anyone else to park, anywhere other than in the space allocated to you.  

Should we become aware of anyone incorrectly parking then breach of lease charges of £60.00 will be incurred by the office or owner (and £60.00 for each occasion we have to make contact thereafter).

If you do find that someone is parking incorrectly in your space, please do not hesitate to let Compass Block Management know which apartment is causing the issue.  A windscreen notice is also available for you to download via our website at www.compass-bm.com (within the development name) as required.

For owners with tenants in situ, please ensure that your tenants park only in the allocated space for your apartment.

Thanking you for your co-operation.

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Heading: External Redecoration Works
Date: 20/11/18
Details: Letters are being sent out to leaseholders to confirm that a contractor has been instructed to commence the external redecoration works on a date to be confirmed in Spring 2019.

We also note that additional window repairs may be required to some apartments at the same time as the external redecoration works are undertaken. Owners of the apartments are to confirm to us by email ([email protected]) by 20th December 2018 any repair issues required to your window frames. For tenants in situ please ensure that you report any issues with the window frames to your landlord in order that they may respond to us by 20th December 2018. Thanking you for your co-operation. 

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Heading: Weeds and Rubbish
Date: 06/09/18
Details: The cleaning contractors have been booked out to attend to cutting back and killing the weeds. We have also asked them to remove the chair and other rubbish that has been left around the bins. Please note that items should not be dumped outside of the bins – any bulky items such as chairs need to be organised by the residents to be collected direct by the Council as the normal waste collection will not take these items away.

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Heading: Car Parking
Date: 07/08/18
Details: A reminder that all car parking spaces are allocated and you must not park anywhere other than in your designated space. You must not park or give permission for anyone else to park, anywhere other than in the space allocated to you even if it appears to be free. Doing so has a detrimental effect on other residents. The car parking spaces in the courtyard are clearly labeled. The parking for the front of the building is also allocated. Thanking you for your co-operation.

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Heading: Sky Access
Date: 18/07/18
Details: For all Sky subscribers, can you please confirm to [email protected] whether you are experiencing any issues with your Sky signal. The Management Company are looking into a possible problem with the signal to the communal satellite dish for Sky users. Many thanks for your co-operation.

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Heading: Bin Store and Area User Guide
Date: 17/07/18
Details: A circular is being sent out to all residents and leaseholders regarding the disposal of rubbish. To keep the bin store / area clean and tidy and reduce the risk of rodents appearing, we should be grateful if you would follow these simple recommendations dispose as follows:-
• Ensure that all general rubbish is in properly sealed bin bags.
• Place all your rubbish in either a paladin or the appropriate recycling bin.
The bin men will not remove any rubbish that is not in a paladin / recycling bin and will not empty any paladin / recycling bin if there are any rubbish bags or other items on the floor that are in any way impeding free access to and from the bin store / area, so please do not leave anything on the floor in the bin store /area.
• Do not overfill a paladin when there are other paladins with space in them.
• When disposing of cardboard boxes, please collapse them first: it does not take many un-collapsed boxes to fill a paladin or recycling bin.
With particular regard to the recycling bins: –
• Please make sure that you put the right recycling items in the right recycling bin. If a recycling bin is contaminated it will only be emptied if an additional decontamination charge is paid.
• 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.
Finally: –
• If you have any bulky items (mattresses, refrigerators, etc.) to dispose of, please go online to birmingham.gov.uk and click on Waste & Recycling for advice.
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

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Heading: Rodents
Date: 13/07/18
Details: We understand that there have been sightings of rodents at the development.
Midland Pest Control will be on site on Monday 16th July 2018 to attend to this issue. This may be as a result of the broken downpipe for which contractors have already been booked out to attend to as a matter of urgency.

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Heading: Issue with guttering
Date: 18/05/18
Details: Contractors will be in attendance on Monday 21st May 2018 to take a look at the guttering following reports that water is leaking down the side of the building. Contractors have asked that the car parking spaces directly below are kept free during the day on Monday so that they can access – many thanks.

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Heading: Carpet Clean for both stairwells
Date: 09/05/18
Details: Contractors have been booked out to carry out a carpet clean to both stairwell carpets.

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Heading: Maintenance Reports
Date: 30/04/18
Details: Contractors have been booked out to attend to grill in car park, missing end cap on drainage pipe and repair to fire extinguisher bracket.

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Heading: Weeding of site
Date: 26/04/18
Details: When next on site, the cleaning company will clear up and weed the site to include the car park area. They will also remove the excess pieces of wood which someone has left.

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Heading: Window Cleaning Rescheduled
Date: 15/12/17
Details: You may have noticed that the external windows were not cleaned this week as scheduled. This was due to the poor weather conditions. The window cleaning has been rescheduled for Tuesday 19th December 2017. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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Heading: Rodents
Date: 21/08/17
Details: Following reports of a mouse inside an apartment, pest control have carried out a full inspection of the communal areas and have confirmed that there are no rodents in the communal areas. The local problem has been dealt with swiftly by the apartment.

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Heading: Weed removal
Date: 25/07/17
Details: The contractor attended today to spray and remove the weeds that had been growing at the front of the development. The area is now clear.

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