Weir fencing works completed thanks to partnership investment

Dave McEvoy, WERA Chair; with Joseph Ajala, Lambeth Living Senior Programme Manager.

Work to restore and repair metal fencing around the estate, has been successfully completed thanks to funding provided by a ground breaking three way funding partnership between WERA, Lambeth Living and Lambeth’s Major Works contractor, Breyer Group plc.

Hundreds of metres of fencing have been given a new lease of life as contractor RnB Engineering Ltd worked over a number of months to restore, repair and replace damaged fencing; including that of original art deco metal railings spanning the outside of the estate. Most of the posts and fence panels had to be renewed following years of under investment and damage caused by vehicles.

The fencing works were completed at the end of 2010 and were given approval by WERA’s current Chair, Dave McEvoy and Major Work’s Senior Programme Manager, Joseph Ajala.

WERA Chair, Dave McEvoy said “We are delighted that these works were made possible and the excellent improvements that the work have given to the appearance of the Weir Estate. This has shown that by working with our partners and contractors, estates can see vast improvement and the benefit of having a strong and active residents association. It certainly has given our estate a much needed boost and of course it’s now safer and more secure.”

Old damaged railings before they were straightened

Weir Estate Residents Association contributed extra funds to install new fencing by the entrance to the estate from Weir Road in order to fill a gap that gave access to the grass area from those outside the estate and those walking dogs who do not live on the estate.

Parts of the fencing had been missing and had to be made to match the rest of the estate and other parts had to be straightened and secured.

Lambeth Living’s Senior Programme Manager, Joseph Ajala, who oversaw the works alongside WERA said of the improvements “The fencing works at Weir Estate became obviously in need of necessary repairs before the completion of Major Works on the Estate.  Now that the fencing works have been completed, the estate has certainly regained its shine.”

He added “I am very happy for the residents and many thanks must go the TRA members who were obliging and willing to partnership with Lambeth Living and Breyer Group Plc to see the works done.”

The works costing about £18,000 were split between the three organisations which was then invested into making the works possible. The works to the railings and metal work around the estate began after much needed improvement works to residents homes as previously reported here on www.wera.org.uk.

Part of the railings were also repainted by the Lambeth Youth Offending Service (YOS) however WERA are now considering having the rest of the fencing repainted by professionals, which is due to be discussed at a future association meeting as well as seeking other projects to continue to improve the safety and appearance of Weir Estate.