External Works - WATES manager refuses to provide answer to local residents

Answer: August 23^rd starting in Wray Close where WATES will be installing a wooden fence at the rear of one of the properties.

On Monday residents living at the 51 properties to receive External Works on Stonebridge, said that they were unable to arrange holidays, visit family or friends, cut their front lawns, and even make preparations because no one from WATES had given them a start date for the work since June. 

I have received a volume of telephone calls & Emails from residents wanting to know when the External Works involving off road parking areas, and perimeter iron railings & fences would begin on their 51 properties.

WATES manager Mr Alan Bridgeford based at the site office in Melville Gardens, said that he knew the start date but refused to answer this simple question yesterday. Instead he  referred myself and local residents to the Decent Homes query line at Nottingham City Homes. In turn City Homes said that they had no information available.

Yesterday evening I contacted WATES Press officer Lucy O’Connor, and went on to contacted Steve Edlin Bsc., Head of Service Capital Programme at Nottingham City Homes this morning.

Today several residents living in Lytton Close, Eastham Close, Dennet Close & Stonebridge Road telephoned Nottingham City Homes for information about when the External work would begin at their properties. Locals are seeking a more precise answer to their query, rather than the vague answers they have been given up until now.

Finally I received an Email from Sarah Smith who is a Marketing Manager at WATES Living Space, who said “Thank you for your email regarding works at Stonebridge Park Estate.

“I have spoken with the site management team who have confirmed work will be commencing on Thursday 23^rd August. I hope this helps to address your query.”

Further enquiries brought to light a letter addressed to a lady in Wray Close who was happy to show it to me. It was from WATES manager Christine Neatby who says that she is happy to answer any queries or concerns about External Works from local tenants & residents. Her phone number is 0115 781280 Mobile 0773943510.

I would like to thank all the tenants & residents who contacted me and asked for my assistance, and all those residents who phoned Nottingham City Homes this morning. In addition I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Communications Officer Mr Martine Valentine at Nottingham City Homes, and Press Officer Sara Smith at WATES Living Space for their valuable assistance. Richard.P.