Since the meeting at the end of April you could be forgiven for thinking that nothing has happened but the directors have been working hard on two threads:
- Trying to get Bellway to complete the remaining outstanding work.
- Getting up to speed with how LMC has been managed previously and beginning to form a plan for its operation from here onwards. The directors are meeting on Saturday 3rd June to discuss things having obtained some limited information about operations from DJC Management.
Today, 31st May, we finally met with Bellway’s representative and had a walk around the estate. The key points covered (in no particular order) were:
- The rubber matting around the playground area (particularly around the swing) is to be removed and relaid or replaced in a proper manner.
- The culvert below/behind the pedestrian bridge to the Berkeley site is to be cleared out.
- Despite originally confirming in writing many months ago that they would carry out the work , Bellway is now refusing to improve the playground slide area by flattening the slope. The reasons given are that firstly, no matters were identified during their own inspection and secondly, that RoSPA have certified that it’s safe. We intend to approach RoSPA and/or their inspector and to express our concerns directly which we hope will put pressure on Bellway to honour their promise. Subsequently we have heard that their decision is being reconsidered.
- The landscaping plan specified that 3,000 bulbs would be planted in and around the open space and clearly this was not done. Since it is the wrong time of year to plant these, the intention is to get a monetary contribution from Bellway to cover the eventual cost.
- Similarly, a monetary contribution will be given by Bellway towards the maintenance of the swale at the front of the Little Meadow estate which is not to be adopted.
- Approximately fifteen wooden posts are to be installed to mark the eastern boundary with Knowle Park.
- The area in Betony Close where the fence has been removed is to be weeded, re-planted and mulched in accordance with the landscaping plan.
- The swale alongside Yarrow Close was cleared a while back but nothing else was done so it is again largely covered by weeds including nettles and thistles. Bellway intend to clear this again and then sow wildflower seeds in accordance with the landscaping plan; however it is the wrong time of year so it’s possible that a quote will be obtained and Bellway would make a monetary payment to cover the eventual cost.
- Dead trees to be replaced throughout the development.
- The adoption of Marjoram Avenue by Waverley/Surrey and of the sewer system by Thames Water is still proceeding slowly. No timetable has been given but there is still remedial work to be done to correct a dip in the paviours (which floods) near the junction with Primrose Close before this can take place. This work should be scheduled by Bellway “soon” and they will also advise further on the adoption status.
- Completion of the pathway to the A2D site once that part of the next-door development has been completed.
In addition to the above we have requested as-built drawings and relevant maintenance documents to be provided for all common areas including above and below ground services.