Residents see worker commit ‘disgusting’ act
Platform Housing has apologised and says it is working to fix the issues
Warndon residents fed-up with long-running building work have been tipped over the edge by the “revolting” actions of a worker.
A contractor is reported to have used a toilet outside a block of flats in Cranham Drive with the door wide open, in full view of a public footpath and several female residents.
We reported on “hazardous” scaffolding causing safety concerns at two blocks of flats two weeks ago.
City councillor Jill Desayrah said she was shocked a further scaffolding tower had been erected, despite no progress being made in other areas.
She said: “Much of this scaffolding has reportedly been in place since before Easter without warning, with no clear timetable and little visible progress.
“Residents fear the staggering costs of the huge scaffolded area will eventually be dumped onto them through increased service charges. Platform Housing appears perfectly content to leave tenants living in this chaos.
“But last week the situation crossed a line from unacceptable to utterly disgusting.
“Female residents walking past report that they were confronted with the revolting sight of a workman sitting on the toilet inside the portable cabin with the door wide open, openly exposing himself while using it.
“Residents are furious that this level of indecency has been allowed on a residential site where families and children live.
“Platform Housing cannot hide behind contractors and excuses any longer. Its handling of this entire situation has been shameful, and residents deserve immediate action, accountability and respect.”
One resident said: “The workers are hardly ever here, and when they are, they’re rude to residents and stand around swearing loudly.”
More than one resident said they had been blocked from getting out of the residents’ car park by the contractors’ van.
Another resident said the temporary staircase outside their flat was unstable, slippery in the rain and noisy, so those using it early in the mornings have to tiptoe so as not to wake their neighbours.
“We’ve now been told it will take eight to nine months to complete the work,” she said. “Originally they said four to six weeks.”
Doug Bacon, deputy chief property officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “We understand residents’ frustrations regarding the ongoing works at Cranham Drive and we take the concerns raised seriously.
“Following feedback from customers, our customer liaison officer has been on site speaking directly with residents and the issues raised have been addressed with the principal contractor, Snape, and all sub-contractors involved in the project.
“Additional site meetings have taken place to reinforce expectations around behaviour, communication and site management.
“We appreciate that progress on site may not always be visible while some elements of the works are being manufactured and design revisions are completed behind the scenes.
“However, the project team continues to work closely together to progress these essential improvement works as quickly and safely as possible.
“We have also taken steps to reduce disruption for residents, including limiting contractor vehicles within the car park and increasing communication with customers through letters, door knocking and regular updates. A simplified programme of works has also been displayed on site so residents can clearly see upcoming activity and timescales.
“We apologise for the disruption caused and will continue working closely with residents and contractors as the project progresses.”