Comm2All Portsea 2021 08 19

Dear fellow leaseholder

We’ve had a strange 18 months during our lockdown and distancing period but we now have many signs that things are much better although rates of infection remain very high.

Meanwhile the job of running Portsea Hall by Michael Richards & the team has continued – as has the role of your committee to keep an eye on things and to support effective action and planning.

Here are some updates on what has been going on from your committee.

1. After creating ‘new’ lifts in both the north and south cores we are now considering if and when further lifts need to be replaced. In the last year there has been a major reduction in lift usage & failures so the pressure to continue the lift refurb process has reduced. Having said that we continue to collect monies for the Capital Account to cover large future project costs. We have agreed to have quotes prepared for a new lift for the central core.
2. Michael Richards have improved the contractors list that is held at reception and is also on the web-site for us all to use.
3. Lighting in communal areas has nearly all been changed to LED saving us money.
4. Additional cameras have been added to areas difficult to see both inside & outside the building. We now have HD quality and better coverage.
5. Bins continue to be secured or replaced in order to comply with our fire survey advice and ease of service to residents. Please remember that anything too big to go into 1 bin or 1 recycling bag must be taken immediately to the general rubbish area or it is a fire and escape risk.
6. Please can all residents and owners maintain a watch on any flats suspected of short-letting or of anti-social behaviour so that we can continue to keep it out of Portsea Hall. It seems to be less of a problem of late and maybe the last period of Covid has helped as occupancy of the building has been significantly down.
7. Michael Richards have apologised for the error in sending out a request for an additional payment to the Service Charge. Your committee has complained about what was done and how it was done. All those who paid have had it credited back to their account to be deducted from the next payment due. If you want the cash transferred back to you, please contact Michael Richards.
8. A detailed list of where the water turn-off controls are for all flats has been compiled. Some flats info is still needed. This info will make it a lot easier and quicker to respond to urgent leaks in future.
9. The intercoms in some flats are still not working. Contractors have repaired wiring and will shortly test handset exchanges to try and fix the problem. Your committee have continued to press Michael Richards on the urgency of getting this problem resolved. A consultants report has now declared the system obsolete and a quote has been obtained for a new system.
10. The regular asbestos report has identified a lot of remedial action that is needed in the boiler room. A first quote has been obtained and others will now be sought as part of a Section 20 process where ALL leaseholders will be consulted.
11. We have approved the replacement of the carpet in the meeting room.
12. Any problems – talk to Building Manager Lauren or John and the reception team.
13. A big THANK YOU to all residents who have gone along with our requirement to wear masks in the public areas of the building. This has helped to keep residents safe, especially those in poor health who were very worried. We ask you to still do this if you can. Also, just 1 flat in each lift movement please.
14. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about anything at Portsea Hall don’t hesitate to contact me or other committee members.
15. PLEASE consider if you can join the PHRA committee.
    You just need to be able to give 2 hours at a meeting 3 times a year and of course have an interest in constantly improving our property & services.
    We agree meeting dates to suit the majority & have the ability for dial-in if you are away.
    It really is not too onerous and we’re quite a friendly group.
    ALL are welcome to join us so we can have the most diverse representation possible.
    If you would like an initial no-commitment chat to see what is involved please email, text or call me. Also, you could come along to a meeting to see if it is for you.

With best wishes for the safety and health of you, your family and friends,

Paul Wyman
Chair Portsea Hall Residents Association
+447768194429
http://portseahall.com/

Committee members:

Paul Wyman 49
Siobhaugn Buckley 101
Pete Koutsogiannis 84
Shreela Ghosh 68
Tony Lock 79
Francesc Vendrell 111
Chan Waldron 94
Marios Pierides 45
Mohammed Youssef 121