First Port Update - Tuesday 9th

June 2015

Road & Drains Update

Roads Project Update – Phase 1

Further to last month’s report where it was explained how the works are to be approached i.e. the target areas

of road being Regents Drive, Clarence Gate and The Boulevard and deemed Phase 1 of the roads project, we

have now had further feedback from Price & Myers.

The good news is that we are in a position to carry out repairs to Clarence Gate and The Boulevard as no

drainage issues are evident in these areas, so the works can continue as planned. Unfortunately there are

some issues in Regents Drive which need to be addressed before the road can be repaired.

After reviewing the drainage report, Price & Myers explained that the area of road we are looking to repair in

Regents Drive has issues below ground. The CCTV survey was abandoned because of this as the camera

could not pass through the pipe due to debris and tree roots. This is probably the cause of the varied levels of

road surface around the drain specific to this area as highlighted in the photo to the left of the drain.

In our efforts to keep the Regents Drive road repair within

Phase 1 of the roads project and current Section 20

consultation, instructions have been sent to a contractor to

professionally jet wash the area below ground.

Once this has been completed a small camera survey will

be carried out to make sure the structure of the pipe below

ground in this area is not compromised, as if any issues

are highlighted they will need to be repaired before the

road works can be carried out. It is important that the pipe

is structurally safe and in good working condition. The

repair to the road can then be carried out to coincide with

the other Phase 1 road works on Repton Park.

Price & Myers have approached 3 companies about the

road works and will update First Port in more detail soon.

Grounds Review

Emergency Tree Works

On Monday 1st June, around 7:00pm the Development Manager received a call from the concierge about a

large Ash Tree which came down in the high winds. The tree had snapped and blocked the entire road leading

towards Claybury Villas.

The concierge was instructed to cone off the area and the Development Manager contacted MBS as it was

deemed as an out of hours emergency. The Directors of Claybury Villas were then contacted by the

Development Manager to update them on what had happened, and the course of action being instigated.

MBS turned up to Repton Park within the hour and the tree was cut up, made safe and moved to the side of

the road, making it accessible again.

This was a great team effort all round by First Port site staff and MBS. The Development Manager has also

written to MBS to thank them for dealing with the emergency so quickly and in such a professional manner.

Summer Bedding

The gardeners have been working extremely hard

throughout May, planting all the summer bedding

throughout Repton Park to meet our objective of

having the summer bedding planted up slightly

earlier than in previous years.

Their workload also included improvement works to

the planters throughout the development, making a

feature of the planters whilst serving an important

purpose in our efforts to control how people park.

You can see from the pictures to the right a variety

of colour is being used to ensure that Repton Park

continues to have the wow factor throughout

summer.

This follows on nicely from the colour we

experienced throughout spring. Also within the next

month we can expect to see roses around Repton

Park to begin to flower, adding even further colour

and breaking up a lot of the natural greenery of the

surrounding woodland.

The picture below is a great example of the alliums we have growing throughout the development. We

introduced more of these last year due to positive feedback from residents.

We welcome feedback on the grounds so if you have any ideas or suggestions then please contact the

Development Manager who can arrange a ‘walk and talk’ with the gardeners.

Jet Washing

We recently started a jet washing program on

Repton Park. At the moment the contractor

has been working at Cheltenham House and

the results of the works have been fantastic,

receiving positive feedback from residents.

You can see from the pictures the difference in

colour of the coping stone from around the

buiding, and all the slabs are coming up like

new, almost giving the block a new lease of

life.

The works have currently come to a hault

however they will be picked up again shortly.

Attention will then be focussed on Bradfield

House.

Once Bradfield House has been completed the

contractor will then begin working throughout

Repton Park, cleaning all the slabs and coping

stones on East & West Car Park, around the

gatehouse, dog bins and planters. The works will make a huge difference in the presentation of the

development and meet our objectives of making sure Repton Park is at is best throughout the summer.

Redbridge in Bloom

After a successful year in last year’s competition the Development Manager has again decided to enter

Repton Park into Redbridge in Bloom 2015. A lot of hard work has gone into the grounds this year, so fingers

crossed we can improve on our 2nd place ranking in 2014.

Redecoration Review @ Repton Park

Major Works – Repton Park apartments only

The contractor has returned to Repton Park to address outstanding

works and snagging issues in relation to the external redecoration

project.

Topcoat is working through the snagging list given to them by First

Port and residents are being contacted throughout the process as

they approach their apartment block.

At the moment they are focussing their attention on Tavistock

House and the high rise windows around the building as per the

photo. The Contracts Manager for Topcoat has been visiting

Repton Park a few times a week to oversee what is happening and

discussed the possibility of getting a second cherry picker to site to

speed up the works. A further progress report will be issued soon.

Bin store trial

First Port Bin store trial @ Goldsmith House

Further to concerns being raised by a resident about

the bin store at Goldsmith House being neglected, a

lock was installed to the bin store by First Port and

keys given to residents of Goldsmith House.

Having monitored this throughout May, both day and

night, our findings are that people continue to neglect

the bin store, leaving rubbish on the floor as per the

photo which is disappointing.

This is proof that the majority of the neglect must be

coming from residents of the block as they are the

only people who have access to the facility. The

main frustration however is that people are obviously

going to the effort of opening the bin store door using

the key but still leaving rubbish on the floor, even

when there are euro bins which are clearly empty.

Pest Control @ Repton Park

There was a slight increase in rodent activity on Repton Park in May as the graph highlights. Some dead mice

were retrieved and there was evidence of rats.

The Maintenance Contract with Prokill is currently a visit every 6 weeks to check and top up the boxes with

bait, however in the new service charge period this is to be revised so visits are more frequent as there is a

demand for the additional service.

As of August, Prokill will be visiting Repton Park on a monthly basis to support First Port in our efforts to get

the balance correct and keep rodents away from the buildings. This change also ties in with a new code of

practise specific to pest control, and in particular where there are long term baiting programs as there are in

Repton Park due to the surrounding areas and natural woodland.

Activity

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Activity

Activity

We have also been able to increase the level of baiting around Repton Park as old bait boxes were

discovered. These have now been made active and incorporated within the Pest Control Maintenance

program. You can see from the overview of the development below that all the bait boxes have been carefully

located around Repton Park. This is monitored closely throughout the course of the year and can be adapted

or added to should it be necessary.

Matt Garwood from Prokill continues to pop into the Management Office on a regular basis to ensure

everything is running smooth; even when not scheduled to be on site which is greatly appreciated. Matt

Garwood is relatively new to Repton Park after being given a chance last year and showing a fantastic attitude

and fully appreciates the kind of service we aim to offer at Repton Park. It is to be noted what a great job he is

doing.

First Port can instigate works on communal grounds only, meaning anything within a resident’s home is their

responsibility. Should residents experience pest control problems, or simply require guidance, then please

contact Prokill direct. Matt Garwood has vast knowledge of the development and will be able to give you the

correct guidance and support should you require his services.

Matt Garwood – Prokill

Tel: 01708 441 615 Mobile: 07808 706 170 Email: matt.garwood@prokill.co.uk

First Port Bespoke Update

Rose Power – 10 years service @ Repton Park

A huge well done to Rose Power for completing 10 years of service

at Repton Park. Rose has been instrumental in providing

administrative support within the Management Office.

Not only is Rose a popular member of the onsite team amongst

staff and residents, she is exceptional at her job.

In celebration of Rose’s achievement the staff all clubbed together

and Rose was presented with various gifts to acknowledge all the

good work that she does, but most importantly to ensure that she

realises how much of what she does, and personally contributes to

the team, is appreciated.

The Development Manager presented Rose with an engraved

jewellery box, clock trophy, and a few other funnies to bring some

humour to the day. Rose was all given an additional day’s holiday

as a thank you.

Reg Knight – Happy Birthday & Farewell

On the same day of celebrating Rose’s 10 years service at Repton

Park, we also celebrated Reg’s Birthday. Reg kindly brought cakes

into work, which were enjoyed by all the staff.

Sadly, Reg also took the opportunity to announce his retirement from

work. If you are not aware, Reg works as a part time caretaker at

The Manor. He has worked on site for nearly 8 years after a long

career within the Fire Brigade but decided it is time for a new

adventure. He will be moving up to Scotland to help his son pursue

his dream of opening up his own zoo.

Reg leaves the company in July this year so the Development

Manager is currently looking into finding a suitable replacement. The

Development Manager would like to thank Reg for all his hard work

and dedication to The Manor. His ever go lucky personality will be

missed amongst the team but we wish him well on his new

adventure and all the best to him and his family for the future.

Well done Lauren from First Port

A really well done to our very own Lauren Halil who

recently took part in this years Britain’s Got Talent.

Lauren performed with her dance ground IMD Legion and

made it through to the live shows and semi-finals. You did

yourself proud and represented Repton Park in a positive

light too. Repton Park really does have talent!

First Port Uniform

Now our rebranding process is complete the staff have

all been issued with their First Port uniforms.

You can see from the examples to the right what the

new cleaners uniform looks like as demonstrated by

Jose, one of our cleaners.

The new uniform also includes high visibility clothing

such as jackets and vests, so when the night

concierge is patrolling the development they are

clearly visible and easy to identify at all times.

Throughout the next month we will also be focussing

our attention on removing any Consort branded

material from around Repton Park and updating it to

First Port.

Drain Blockage

The gatehouse was recently contacted by a resident

who noticed that a drain was bubbling around the

Kensington House area and starting to smell

unpleasant.

Upon investigation by our onsite Maintenance

Operative, it was clear that the drain had become

blocked.

After around 45 minutes of rodding the drains, our

Maintenance Operative finally managed to clear the

blockage. Once the blockage was cleared it was soon

apparent that the problem had occurred due to

residents disposing non degradable products into the

sewerage system.

You can see from the photo the remainder of the baby

wipes which caused the blockage. Thankfully this was

dealt with at a site level so no additional cost was

incurred by calling in an outside contractor. We were

lucky on this occasion as it could have contributed

towards a serious health and safety issue.

Security / Health & Safety

Police attendance in March

The police visited Repton Park on 7 occasions throughout the month of May. 5 of the visits were general

patrols by the police as noted below. There was however 1 occasion where Consort called the police to site.

General Patrol x 10

02/05/2015 - 19.10

07/05/2015 - 21.50

12/05/2015 - 18.00

21/05/2015 - 23.30

22/05/2015 - 18.30

23/05/2015 - 11.50

24/05/2015 - 13.57

26/05/2015 - 12.55

27/05/2015 - 14.00

29/05/2015 - 08.55

Safer Neighbourhood Update

Ward Promises making sure that we are dealing with issues affecting local residents.

The borough is looking to roll this out to all Safer Neighbourhood Teams and so that all residents across

Redbridge can have their input into how we police their community.

The new ward promises are:

1) Communication and Engagement - To advertise on MPSRedbridge Twitter #FairlopSNT, to continue

to send ward email updates.

2) Speeding - New North Road, Fencepiece Road, Forest Road and Tomswood Hill - Utilising the speed

gun at the locations targeting offenders.

3) Burglary - High visibility patrols within the ward holding street talks once a week within the ward

and to update NHW co-ordinators of any burglaries within or surrounding their watch.

Regards,

PC 409 Charlotte Herring

Fairlop Safer Neighbourhood Team

Email - Fairlop.snt@met.police.uk

Tel - 020 8721 2569

Bad Parking Notices & First Ports role in issuing them

It has been another productive month when it comes to issuing bad parking notices to vehicles which are

parked in the wrong bay or dangerously around Repton Park. There were 21 bad parking notices issued in

May. A detailed spreadsheet of the parking notices issued is kept at the gatehouse.

It is to be noted that First Port are happy to offer this service but none of the onsite staff are qualified parking

attendants, nor do we have any parking control enforcement powers. It is done to be helpful and offer support.

Vehicles refused access or asked to leave Repton Park

Further to discussions with the Repton Park Residents Association and in an attempt to tighten up security,

please note the table below which highlights vehicles either refused access or asked to leave the

development.

This is the result of taking a more vigilant approach at the barriers. Management will continue to work with,

support and monitor staff performance in this area.

Date Time Purpose Of Entry Drivers Vehicle

Reason for vehicle being refused access Staff

Of Visit Of Visit To Repton Park Registration onto Repton Park Name

02/05/2015 22.30 2 boys wanted to visit a friends xxxxxxxx Refused entry – Gym was closed Tariq

03/05/2015 20.50 2 boy wanted to go to the gym xxxxxxxxx Refused entry - Gym was closed Tariq

03/05/2015 20.40 4 young guys wanted to go to the gym

xxxxxxxxxx Refused entry - Gym was closed Tariq

08/05/2015 00.35 2 young guys & 1 girl wanted to visit a friend

xxxxx Refused entry – Provided fake address Tariq

16/04/2015 1.00 3 boys wanted to visit a friends xxxxxx Refused entry - look suspicious Tariq

23/04/2015 2.10 3 young guys xxxxxxxxxx Provided entry – look suspicious Junaid

24/04/2015

23.10 3 boys wanted to go to gym xxxxxxxxx Refused entry – Gym was closed Charles

26/05/2015

22.05 4 young guys wanted to visit a friend

xxxxxxxxx Refused entry – Could not give a valid address Thilak

30/05/2015 21.50 3 young guys wanted to go to gym xxxxxxxxx Refused entry - Gym was closed Thilak

Parking Management - Improvement Works

Last month we reported issues of bad parking around Virgin Active. Gym members were removing our planters

and parking their vehicles alongside the building, causing obstructions on the path and restricting access.

To ensure this area remains clear and the emergency services are always able to gain access the area was

reviewed with the Development Manager and a contractor and a plan of works agreed to hopefully address the

problems.

You can see from the photos that the works are well underway and will be completed in the next couple of

days. Once the concrete bollards are installed and set, the onsite Maintenance Operative will then paint them

black to ensure they are in keeping with the rest of the area.

Service Charge Review

The service charge continues to be in good health. First Ports Customer Collections Team remains on top of

this and liaise with the Development Manager over any specific cases which require investigation.

At the moment there are service charge arrears of approximately 2%

Annual Budget = £1,000,404.00 Arrears = £28,566.33

The below pie chart illustrates how the current service charge arrears is made up across Repton Park.

Rosebury Square - £4416.35

Osbourne House - £3882.34

Northumberland House - £2542.15

Kensington House - £6236.11

Goldsmith House - £3957.09

Alexandra House - £1808.32

Cheltenham House - £2301.14

Sutherland House - £3422.83

Rosebury Sqaure 15%

Osbourne 14%

Northumberland 9%

Kensington 22%

Goldsmith 14%

Alexandra 6%

Cheltenham 8%

Sutherland 12%

Rosebury Sqaure

Osbourne

Northumberland

Kensington

Goldsmith

Alexandra

Cheltenham

Sutherland