Because of fire regulation hysteria brought on by Grenfell fire,
the following actions have been taken against the Kibworth
Community Association:
- not being allowed a sale table to raise money to go on trips and
days out or for MacMillan nurses;
- not being allowed a six foot clothes rail in an alcove for
clothing exchanges and sales;
- told to get rid of a wheelchair (which is not flammable) and does
not obstruct any access;
- the books in the book exchange book case have been ordered out of
the book case in the entrance and on to the floor in the main
room;
- several directives and confusing instructions regarding use and
obstructive prohibitions regarding the kitchen.
No one has contacted members except to pass down obstructive directives through a warden.
Started by: Barrie Jackson (Kibworth Close Community Association)
This Paper petition was received on 11/06/2018.
60 people signed this Paper petition.
Acknowledgement - 24 May 2018
Dear Mr Jackson,
Thank you for your petition received by Constitutional Services.
Your petition has been forwarded to the Assistant Director for
Tenancy and Estate Services at Nottingham City Homes and will now
be investigated. You should receive a response within 12 working
days. If you would like any further information or have any queries
please feel free to contact Constitutional Services on 0115
8764305.
Z West, Governance Officer
Response - 11 June 2018
I write in respect of the petition raised by users of the
Kibworth Close Community Centre which was forwarded to me for a
response on 24th May 2018. I have completed an investigation and my
findings are as follows. The Nottingham City Homes Communal Area
Policy predates the Grenfell tragedy (issued July 2014, revised May
2018). The policy states that:
‘Communal rooms’ are rooms that contain facilities for
the use of all the residents of a building, or which are made
available to local residents or groups. Examples include shared
lounges, kitchens, refuse chute rooms, lobbies, balconies and
laundries.
5.1: We (Nottingham City Homes) will make sure that communal areas under our control are kept clear of items that create an unacceptable fire risk or obstruction, so that users of these facilities are kept safe.
5.4: Residents and users of the buildings containing communal areas and corridors are requested to help us keep them safe and pleasant to use by complying with all reasonable requests by our representatives to remove items that are not permitted by this policy.
The Grenfell tragedy re-enforced the importance of compliance with this policy. Following Grenfell information with regards to the policy was provided to residents and users of communal facilities and NCH staff have undertaken audits of these facilities to ensure compliance. Following this audit, a Nottingham City Homes representative visited the site to inspect the schemes and to offer further advice to the users. Items were being left in the communal area unattended and unsupervised and it was requested that these items be stored appropriately in order to comply with the Communal Area Policy. It was suggested that a clear out of existing storage facilities would facilitate this.
To address the specific concerns within the petition:
1. A table top sale in the communal area is still permitted. We do
require, however, that the items for sale are removed from the
communal area when unattended and stored safely and
adequately.
2. We did require the removal of a clothing rail and clothing which
was permanently located in the communal lounge. This was a clear
contravention of the Communal Area Policy
3. We have requested that the books/bookshelf be relocated as this
presents a fire safety risk due to the proximity to the entrance to
the building. It has been suggested that the bookshelf and books
can be relocated to the main communal room
4. The storage of wheelchairs and mobility scooters is not
permitted in communal areas. In addition there is potential
liability issues should falls or injuries arise from poorly
maintained or poorly adjusted wheelchairs.
5. There are no obstructive restrictions regarding the use of the
kitchen. We welcome and promote coffee mornings in our communal
facilities and request that that the facilities are left clean and
kitchen items stored safely and appropriately.
To conclude I believe that the Communal Area Policy is being implemented appropriately with regard to the Kibworth Close communal facilities. The policy exists to enable the safe enjoyment of these facilities by residents and other users alike. We continue to warmly welcome residents and community groups to fully utilise our facilities and are happy to meet with users of the Kibworth Close Communal facilities to discuss how this can be best achieved with due regard to the Communal Areas Policy.
Antony Dixon
Head of Supported Housing
01157469084