News from the association
Rat access through damaged air-bricks stopped
Some of the air-bricks around the base of the main building had become damaged and needed repair. The association has obtained, through OM Property Management, three quotations for this work – the cheapest being around £400. However, association secretary, David Maunder, volunteered to repair the damage by fitting metal grills over the air-bricks. David completed the work for £40 – Achieving a significant saving.
It was suspected that the damaged air-bricks were giving rats a way to enter the building. David himself has had two instances of rats getting into his kitchen. The association is very grateful to David for his efforts and the money he has saved us.
Management fee freeze for 2011-12 year
In June this year the association wrote a letter of complaint to OM Property Management about errors in the end-of-year accounts and poor service generally in the 2009-10 year. OM have now responded to this letter and agreed to our demand that the management fee for the 2011-12 year should not increase – as is usual – but remain frozen at the 2010-11 year level.
This concession represents a significant step forward in the association’s relationship with OM. The association has been able to get OM to recognise where it can improve performance and understand that poor service will not be accepted.
Bicester Good Neighbours Scheme
We have been approached by Graham Ablett (Community Development Officer, Oxfordshire County Council) to inform us of the Bicester Good Neighbours Scheme. Good neighbour schemes are run by community volunteers to help people in need of support. They include older people, people with disabilities, single parents, those recently discharged from hospital or anyone who may be isolated.
The Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme provides a personal, caring, home visiting service to older people living in Bicester.
If you are interested in helping or finding out more then please contact graham.ablett@oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01280 706051. You can also visit the website.
Committee changes
On Friday, 16th July committee member Denise Day, and
her husband, moved to Langford Village thereby relinquishing
her committee post. The committee would like to thank
Denise for her participation on the committee over the
last couple of years and would like to wish both her
and her husband well for the future in their new home.
The association is always seeking to recruit new committee members. If you feel you have the time and desire to take a closer interest in association matters then please speak to a member of the committee.
Association annual barbeque
On Saturday, 10th July the association held its annual summer
barbeque. Thank you to all those who attended. The weather was
kind to us and it was a very pleasant evening. We had some
good food and enjoyable conversation. It was nice for us
to get together and meet one another.
We hope that next year more residents will come and enjoy our communal garden and a pleasant evening.
