Lambeth Living Director of Property Services, David Thompson, resigns from ALMO post
Jan 10th
Lambeth Living’s Director of Property Services has unexpectedly quit his position with immediate effect. David Thompson resigned from his position on the ALMO Senior Management Team at the end of last year which has been confirmed to WERA and other community groups by Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis.
Mr Thompson who had been the permanent director overseeing housing property issues in the borough such as repairs and maintenance, as well as decent homes for eighteen months, suddenly departed the ALMO for reasons undisclosed after a previous three years as interim director for Lambeth Living when it was introduced by Lambeth council.
A statement released by Mrs Deplessis read “I am writing to tell you that David Thompson, Director of Property Services for 18 months and before that as an interim for three years, has left Lambeth Living. I would like to thank David for the diligence and passion that marked his important contribution to the organisation during Lambeth Living’s formative years.”
She added “As a result of David’s work, council homes are now warmer and safer. We expect significant improvement in the repairs and maintenance service as a result of David’s work to introduce new long term contracts which are designed to improve the quality and value for money of the service to residents.”
David Thompson, Ex-Director of Property Services
No comment has been made as to why the charismatic David Thompson resigned with immediate effect though it not believed to be anything untoward. His sudden departure does follow a major restructuring of Lambeth Living in which up to 70 front line staff are being made redundant as previously revealed by Cathy Deplessis in our wera.org.uk special feature last month.
In a further statement received from Mrs Deplessis it has been confirmed that Paul Munday who is said to have a wealth of experience in public and private housing will be taking up the post part time while other aspects of the role are shared amongst other senior management at Lambeth Living. The statement revealed “I am pleased to confirm that Paul Munday has joined Lambeth Living to carry out some of the key tasks required of the role of the Director of Property Services. More >
Weir fencing works completed thanks to partnership investment
Jan 5th
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.” More >
ANNOUNCEMENT :: Water loss in West and Weir Houses
Dec 20th
Homes in Weir and West Houses are currently without water due to what we believe may well be frozen external pipes; we are aware of this and are doing all we can to get this resolved as quickly as possible.
The whole of West House and at least three properties in Weir House are without running water and some without heating due to loss of water. This has been affecting properties on both blocks on the estate since late last week.
WERA is now working closely with members of Lambeth Living to ensure the problem is identified as quickly as possible and resolved.
If you are a resident without water please call 0207 926 6666 (Lambeth Service Centre Out of Hours Emergency) as they will be able to provide you with bottles of water until the problem is fixed. Weir Estate Resident’s who have been told to contact a plumber, do not need to do as it is believed that Thames Water are due to attend this evening (as of 9:20pm on 20th December 2010) to check the mains pipes, and we will continue to monitor the situation and take all available action open to us in order to resolve the loss of water supply. Lambeth Living had requested a standpipe, but due to the current freezing temperatures, this is not possible as the standpipe would freeze.
We are aware that there are vulnerable and elderly residents in both the blocks currently affected who should ensure that you have water. If you are unsure how to do this please contact WERA for assistance.
We are aware of the critical nature of this situation and will provide updates on wera.org.uk as soon as we have information.
We will continue to work with Lambeth Living and Thames Water to ensure the supply is re-connected as soon as possible.
UPDATE :: 20 DEC 2010 – 9.30pm Thames Water have checked the mains on Weir Road, and they are fine – therefore it is pipes within the blocks which are frozen, and therefore it is Lambeth Living’s area to deal with.
UPDATE :: 21 DEC 2010 – 10.30pm Lambeth Living Officers, and plumbers have been on-site all day. Water has now been restored to West House and Weir House. Should you have any problems please contact WERA for assistance.
WERA toasts successful year at christmas bash
Dec 19th
Residents were able to raise a glass for the festive season at the end of year celebrations as Weir Estate Residents Association also looks back on another successful year, which has seen the end of works to weather-proof homes and improve the appearance, safety and services of the estate.
WERA’s Christmas toast attended by a handful of residents and one of the local ward councillors, Ed Davie took place earlier this week at The Weir Link. The celebration marks the end of a year where the estate has undergone one of its biggest transformations and extensive works which have been overseen by the association, such as the windows, doors and block works, as well as the repairing of metal fences.
Residents were treated to free wine and festive treats. Those who have supported the association throughout the year were thanked for their on-going support by Chair, Dave McEvoy “We have seen many changes this year and it would have not been possible without the unwaivering support of those residents who have attended our monthly meetings, this celebration is WERA’s way of not only celebrating the festive cheer of the season but also for the work which has gone into to improve our estate. It is shame more residents didn’t attend this event but it was still been a great evening.” More >
Work to tree’s on estate
Dec 16th
Felling notice placed on tree at West House.
Lambeth Council’s Tree Service have been in touch with WERA regarding a ‘felling’ notice, and other work to trees on the estate:
The Tree Service received a request via Lambeth Streetcare from Veolia contractors to attend Weir Estate regarding trees which impede the collection of refuse from the estate. A joint site visit was arranged on a recent collection day so that I could appreciate the tree related problems that the Veolia driver was experiencing in carrying out his task.
The Veolia refuse vehicle is a large purpose built vehicle with an on board hydraulically operated crane which lifts and empties the estates bin pods. The estate roads are narrow and the siting of the bin pods next adjacent to (and under) trees hinders the task of refuse collection. The crane requires significant clearance to safely lift the bin pods from their containers and then position them over the truck for emptying. There were a number of locations where the crane was striking trees; this not only makes the driver’s task more difficult, but could be a hazard if the hydraulic operating cables were damaged and may also damage the actual tree.
There were a number of trees identified as conflicting with refuse collections, these were;
1. Anfield Close – Willow – 3 limbs to be removed, Ash – 1 limb to be removed.
2. Weir House (near Olding House) – Sycamore – 1 stem to be removed.
3. Weir House (near Quennel House) -Birch 1 limb removal, Birch 1 stem removal.
4. West House – Ash removal.
The refuse vehicle crane strikes the tree outside West House; this tree is very close to the structural walls of West House and for that reason has been heavily reduced in the past. When a tree is heavily reduced any regrowth is weak and prone to fail, which leads to constant maintenance and loss of visual amenity. The tree has significant future growth potential and it is prudent to take the opportunity to remove the tree. A new tree will be added to the replanting list and a replacement should be planted at a more suitable location subject to site survey and funding being available. More >
Christmas Crime Prevention advice
Dec 16th
Latest crime prevention advice from Thornton SNT
- Do not put the empty packaging out with the dustbin this shows a burglar what Santa has delivered.
- Don’t let your child take their present to school in the new year. They may not keep it for very long
- Take a photograph of valuable items eg Bicycles and Jewellery in case they are unfortunately stolen
- Register any removable property that has a serial number on the free website www.immobilise.com All you need is the make, model and serial number. This is a national website used by all police. More >
SPECIAL FEATURE: Restructuring of Lambeth Living revealed by Chief Executive Cathy Deplessis EXCLUSIVE!!
Dec 2nd
Lambeth Living’s Chief Executive has spoken of the long awaited plans to restructure the Lambeth ALMO in her first interview given exclusively to wera.org.uk. Staff at the organisation found out on Tuesday what the changes will mean to them and to the services they deliver. Residents can also listen to how it will matter to them and what impact the new restructuring will have on estate services.
In the interview with WERA Chair, Dave McEvoy, Cathy Deplessis denied it was solely to save money and insisted it was as much about improving the services to residents across the borough. “This is about seeking to address some of the key concerns residents have made to us, and the top one is seeing improvements in the repairs service, better standards of customer service and seeing what we do to improve on Anti-Social Behaviour.”
After months of discussions with residents and staff as well as numerous public meetings; a plan has been established to tackle the issues and reduce its outgoing costs in the current political and economic climate.
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A pilot scheme has already been established and is operating in the central area, in which Weir Estate is part of and forms part of one of the three new lambeth areas which are now North, Central and South rather than split into several areas. Cathy Deplessis said that the pilot was already making huge difference to the services in the pilot area on customer service “We are finding already this is making improvements in the central area where we are anticipating ordinary people will see a far better service, such an example is we have a new designed customer service team we will be doing two things improving the culture of the organisation, we will have a dedicated customer service team in each area.” More >
Lambeth Living announce restructuring plans to staff
Nov 30th
Staff working for the Lambeth ALMO, Lambeth Living, have found out today what the organisation’s restructuring will mean for their jobs and the organisation’s services. The announcement will be made by Chief Executive Cathy Deplessis at a staff conference.
The restructuring will see major changes to the level of services Weir Estate and other Lambeth residents as well as the number of staff.
Some rumours which have been circulating suggest at least seventy jobs will go on the front line.
The announcement had been due to be made a fortnight ago but was halted at the last minute while Lambeth Council, the ALMO’s ‘client’ asked to meet with housing bosses to see if any more savings could be made in an overall assessment of council finances as they seek to save over £80million pounds. The cuts are being made following the revelations of the higher than expected cut in council budgets by the coalition government announced in May this year.
WERA advice to residents on staying safe and warm during colder weather and predicted heavy snow fall
Nov 29th
Residents are being advised by Weir Estate Residents Association to take extra care during the sudden change in temperatures which have seen some of the earliest snowfall in other parts of the UK for almost twenty years. Weather forecasters are also predicting snow for the London area at the beginning of the week.
Those living and visiting Weir Estate are advised to take extra care during the cold snap and are issuing general advice and guidance as well as requesting residents to check in on their older and more vulnerable neighbours during the colder weather conditions as they tend to be more at risk and isolated.
As part of the advice being offered, residents are reminded to take extra care should it snow and the subsequent ice, which as last February’s heavy snow showed, estate roads become treacherous and very dangerous.
Sadly Lambeth estate roads are not generally gritted much like the main roads and routes in the area such as Weir Road and the South Circular. More >
WERA Asks….Cllr Jackie Meldrum, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council
Nov 28th
Please can you introduce yourself, and explain what your role involves.
I have been an elected councillor at Lambeth since 1998 . My current role is Deputy Leader of the Council . In addition to working closely with Steve Reed , leader of the Council, I have has two major specific responsibilities - promoting good customer service to the public and overseeing the way the council manages its staff. At various times I have also been responsible as a councillor for youth services, early years, libraries and community engagement. Of course I also represent the people in my ward in West Norwood and so I get involved in a wide range of local activities.
What motivates you to do the role?
Everyday is different and every day there is something new to learn. Its hard work but rarely a dull moment.
What did you do before becoming a councillor, and the Deputy Leader?
I first stood as local councillor when my children were at primary school & I was trying to set up a community organisation to provide childcare – this was before the Labour government came in – if you wanted childcare then you had to set it up yourself.
How do you think Lambeth has changed and you think your role has had an impact
Lambeth council has got a lot better over the last 10 years or so. Lambeth has been on a longer journey of improvement than some other councils partly because for the last 25 years no political party has held on to power. So there have been a lot of stops & starts at Lambeth. Thankfully, Labour was re-elected for a second term this year and we can provide the stability that the council needs. I like to think that I did my bit to make this happen alongside my many colleagues and residents.
More >
