First Port Update - Tuesday 7th

July 2015

Road & Drains Update

Roads Project Update – Phase 1

Further to last month‟s report it was explained the areas of road to be included in phase 1 of the roads project.

This was Clarence Gate, The Boulevard and Regents Drive.

There were issues to contend with on the drainage

system along Regents Drive which have now been

addressed. Upon investigation there was evidence

of concrete, builders rubble, tree roots and other

solid materials which had been sitting in the

chamber and contributed towards the CCTV

survey previously being abandoned. Please refer

to the photos to the right.

The issue below ground along Regents Drive was

cleared by using a high powered jet wash. The

good news is that there are no serious defects to

the pipes, although the initial feedback from a

contractor was that it needed sleeving. After taking

a second opinion the pipe was deemed in good

working order and no further remedial works were

necessary. This area of road can now be repaired.

First Port have chased Price & Myers and waiting

on feedback from their tendering process.

It has been explained to Price & Myers that our objective is to carry out the road repairs within the current

service charge period and in conjunction with phase 1 of the roads project.

Grounds Review

Roses around Repton Park

The roses throughout Repton Park are now in full bloom and

look simply amazing.

Roses were first introduced to the development about 4

years ago and been a huge success. It is not always easy

to introduce new species of plants to Repton Park due to the

high clay levels within the grounds but the roses have

flourished.

The variety of colours really produces the wow factor and

break up a lot of the natural greenery and surrounding

woodland. Although roses require additional maintenance

throughout the gardening season, we believe the additional

pruning and cutting back is time well spent.

Summer Bedding

Some more photos of the summer bedding located

throughout the grounds of Repton Park.

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.

We are very proud of the grounds and the gardeners

do a fantastic job all year round. We are hoping for

some kind of recognition in this years annual

Redbridge in Bloom gardening competition.

Watering the grounds

A large part of the gardeners time throughout spring and summer is watering the shrubs, bedding plants, and

even newly planted trees. The water bowser has been brought in every week this month and holds over

100,000 litres of water in its tank as per the below picture.

We have experienced some very hot weather in June and it‟s meant to continue into July, so making sure the

plants are well managed and watered is crucial. On one occasion this month, the gardeners got thorough

300,000 litres of water in a single day!

As you can see from the temperature

reading above, the local area has

experienced temperatures in excess of 30

degrees! The gardeners are working very

hard to make sure all the summer bedding

is not affected by these abnormally high

temperatures.

In fact due to the high temperatures all staff have been encouraged to be sensible whilst working around site.

Cold bottles of water and regular refreshments have been made available at the gatehouse to ensure all staff

remain hydrated and safe in the workplace.

Redecoration Update @ Repton Park

Major Works

Repton Park apartments only

Top Coat continues to work on the external redecoration

project at Repton Park.

In last month‟s reports the contractor was focussing his

attention on Tavistock House. He has completed the majority

of the work with the exception of a couple of areas due to

restricted access which will be reviewed at the end of the

project.

Top Coat have now moved onto Sutherland House and

although progress is slow the works are being carried out

correctly and the person assigned to undertake the works

visits the Management Office every morning to collect the

controls for the cherry picker and to provide an update.

Further to the above, the Development Manager will again be holding a progress meeting with David Higgins,

the senior representative from Top Coat and Jay Ryan, the Contracts Manager appointed to oversee the

works.

At the moment everything appears to be moving in the right direction and the onsite Management team are

being kept in the loop. We have however reminded Top Coat the importance of giving residents curtsey calls

who remain on the snagging list.

Claybury Villas External Redecorations

The Claybury Villas external redecoration has just begun. All the windows are currently being redecorated

after the section 20 process being completed. The job was awarded to Top Target and the Development

Manager will be overseeing the works to ensure everything is done in accordance with the specification of

works.

The contractor has been introduced to one of the Directors of Claybury Villas Management Co Ltd and

everyone will be liaising closely throughout the project.

The Manor Internal Redecoration and Refurbishment

The second part of the section 20 consultation has been issued and we expect works to begin in the next 2

months. This includes total redecoration of the communal areas, carpet replacement and new light fittings.

Pest Control @ Repton Park

The rodent activity on Repton Park in June remained consistent as the graph highlights. A dead mouse was

retrieved and there was activity indicating that both mice and rats visiting the bait boxes.

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.

We have also been able to increase the level of baiting around Repton Park. A further 4 old bait boxes were

discovered in June and now brought into service 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.

Activity

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Activity

Activity

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. Matt Garwood is relatively new to

Repton Park after being given a chance last year and showing a fantastic attitude and appreciation for the

level of service we aim to offer. Below gives an overview of all the bait boxes in service on Repton Park.

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 will be able to give you the correct

guidance and support should you require his services.

Tel: 01708 441 615 Mobile: 07808 706 170

Email: matt.garwood@prokill.co.uk

The butterfly was spotted on Repton Park in June by a member

of the onsite team. If any residents have amazing photos of

nature associated with Repton Park then please email them to

the Development Manager. It can be added to the Repton Park

instagram account. Why not follow us @ReptonPark

First Port Bespoke Update

Monthly Staff Meetings

Our monthly staff meetings continue to be productive and really

useful for getting direct feedback from the staff.

It is also a great opportunity for the team to understand each of

the individual staff roles and the various challenges that each of

their jobs may bring. We are then collectively able to support

each other, share experiences and work as a team.

The photo to the right is a great example. Jeff Wallis our

Maintenance Operative is explaining some of the changes he

has introduced to his workshop should it need accessing out of

hours or in an emergency.

Before the workshop was double locked however Jeff has

recently introduced an alarm system to enhance the security

measures in place.

Francis Castro – Senior Nature Conservation Ranger

Francis Castro was recently invited to Repton Park by

the Development Manager to look at a couple of areas in

relation to council land.

Maintaining a strong working relationship with such

people is key, and contributes to the ongoing success in

the management of Repton Park.

A morning was spent reviewing various areas of the

development and council land and Francis kindly

answered all the Development Managers questions

whilst walking and talking after directly visiting the areas

in need of review.

The Development Manager would like to thank Francis

for his time and co-operation.

Welcome Back & Congratulations to Ken Day

We welcome Ken back to work after being away from site for two

weeks after having an operation on his hand.

Ken is currently on light duties as he continues to recover from his

operation, however its good to have him back amongst the rest of the

team – he has been missed by staff and residents.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ken on the

arrival of his first grand daughter – Poppy Rose. The Development

Manager granted Ken permission to leave work early on the day of

the birth so he could go straight to the hospital and be with his family.

Staff Handover & Communication

The staff hand over is probably the most important part

of the staffs working day.

Building up an understanding of what has happened

throughout the day, remains ongoing or requires

attention is so vital to ensure our service standards

remain high.

It is more so important however in the concierge role;

the day concierge has to hand over to the night

concierge as in the photo to the right. The handover

takes around 15 minutes and everything from keys

through to parcels, and issues around site are discussed

and doubled checked

The team have collectively worked very hard in

improving communication throughout the year. The

concierge and maintenance now have access to their

own email accounts as set up by the Development Manager. This is a small operational change as to how we

work, and have been for a little while now, but has considerably improved the communication amongst the

team. These email accounts are for the use of the onsite team to liaise with each other. They are not openly

shared with residents. Residents are encouraged to contact Management via the usual methods below:

Matthew Snelling Nathalie Vignolle

Development Manager Ass. Development Manager

Matthew.Snelling@FirstPort.co.uk Nathalie.Vignolle@FirstPort.co.uk

Litter Picking Duties

Now summer has officially arrived, and with it becoming light from around 4:00am, the night concierge is also

able to help out with the litter picking responsibilities on Repton Park.

Litter picking is carried out on a daily basis approximately 3 times a day; however the night staff is also able to

litter pick when going on patrol around 6:00am due to the extra daylight throughout the summer months.

As a team we work very hard to ensure the litter around

Repton Park is minimal.

The Development Manager‟s approach to litter is... if you

see some litter on the floor, then no matter your position

amongst the team, you are expected to pick it up. With this

attitude being adopted by all the onsite staff we continue to

successfully manage the litter and keep it under control.

All residents are encouraged to be responsible when

disposing of litter; this includes being sensible when

discarding cigarette butts and chewing gum.

If any residents have concerns about litter and know of

areas which may have been overlooked in our efforts to

keep the development clean, then please contact the

Development Manager. With 265 acres of land to look

after, no matter how hard the onsite team works, it is only

natural for litter to get blown around and stuck in areas of

the grounds which may be harder to see and access.

Happy Birthday to Phil from MBS

Although the gardeners are not directly employed by First Port, they

are on site every day with the rest of the First Port team so they are

treated like one of the team.

To make sure Phil feels appreciated as he works so hard looking

after the grounds, everyone got together for a cup of tea and cakes

in celebration of his birthday.

The Development would like to thank Phil for all is hard work and

wish him a Happy Birthday from all at Repton Park.

Communal Area Touch Up

We appreciate the communal area and its general

standards require attention from time to time, so there

will be occasions throughout the year where the

onsite staff will focus their attention to touching up

any walls which are in need of a little TLC.

All residents are encouraged to treat the communal

areas with respect and if any damage is noticed, you

are requested to report it to the Development

Manager. Ken our caretaker has done a great job in

repainting and touching up areas which have either

become damaged or looking dirty through every day

wear and tear.

The onsite team are not in a position to redecorate

communal areas in their entirety, but if we try to keep

them presentable then when the major works are next

due which is approximately every 5 years, we hope

that our intervention will contribute to making the

redecoration process as simple and straight forward

as possible. It will also contribute to keeping the

major works cost low, as less remedial works will be

required if they are well maintained and looked after.

Road before Claybury Hall

At last months meeting with the Repton Park Residents Association,

the Development Manager was asked about the possibility of

introducing a turning area just before Claybury Hall.

It was explained to the RPRA that Claybury Halls freehold boundary

starts just outside the main gates and distinguished by the

difference in road colour. This meant any change to this area would

require the consent of Claybury Hall Freehold Limited.

The Development Manager works on behalf of Claybury Hall

Management Co Ltd; he has approached the Directors of the RMC

and currently waiting on their feedback. It would not be possible to

introduce any change before the boundary due to there being a

pumping sub station and chamber in the way as per the photo.

Staff Update

It has been a busy month for Management due to some staffing changes.

The Manor - The Development Manager has been conducting interviews

for the Caretaker position at The Manor due to Reg, the current caretaker,

resigning as explained in previous updates. The good news is that we have

successfully hired a replacement.

I would like to welcome Jas to The Manor and the Repton Park family. Jas joins the team with vast experience

and a great skill set. Jas will be shadowing Reg for 1 week before Reg officially leaves First Port so a thorough

handover can be carried out. Jas will then start his 6 months probation and if all goes well will eventually be

made a permanent member of the onsite team.

Claybury Hall – The caretaker recently handed in his notice and the Development Manager is currently looking

for a replacement to fulfil this full-time position.

The position at Claybury Hall is very unique and a „Bespoke‟ job description and service is needed, so finding

the correct replacement is vital. Interviews for the position will be carried out in July which will involve an initial

interview with the Development Manager, which if successful will then involve a second interview with the

Directors of Claybury Hall Management Co Ltd.

Budget Meetings

Due to there being various developments involved in the makeup of

Repton Park it is necessary to liaise with the different Residents

Management Companies over their budgets. Each year the

Development Manager will present a budget proposal to the RMCs for

their consideration and feedback.

Claybury Hall – Year Ending 30th June.

The Development Manager has liaised with the Directors and a new

budget and contracts are now in place.

Claybury Villas – Year Ending 31st July

The Development Manager has liaised with the Directors and the new

budget has been approved and currently being implemented.

Repton Park – Year Ending 31st July

The Development Manager, Regional Manager, and our Senior Finance Analyst have completed the budget

proposal for Repton Park. This was presented to the Repton Park Residents Association. A meeting was held

in June with a couple of RPRA committee members to establish their feedback. Although they are not in a

position to approve the budget, we welcome their input in our efforts to maintain a healthy working relationship.

Anti-social Behaviour

Living on Repton Park is a way of life and there are many rules and regulations

which govern this prestigious development. Freehold owners are to live in

accordance with their Freehold Transfer and owners of leasehold properties are

to live in accordance with the terms of their lease agreement.

Although residents are encouraged to behave in a sensible a respectful manner,

there can be occasions when people fall victim to Anti-social behaviour.

So what is anti-social behaviour?

Nuisance neighbours

Rowdy and nuisance behaviour

Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public space

Vandalism, dumping rubbish and abandoning cars

Begging and antisocial drinking

The misuse of fireworks

Constant dog barking, whining or howling

Loud parties in residential areas

Excessively amplified music, TV or musical equipment

Noisy DIY or building works outside restricted times

Unattended intruder alarm or vehicle alarm

Noise from commercial premises such as pubs, restaurants, factories, etc.

Harassment, abuse or crime targeted at you because of prejudice against your race, religion, sexuality,

gender-identity, disability or age. These are called hate crimes.

Action taken from site staff The onsite staff will do their best to address anti-social issues direct from a site level, although the staff is limited in what they can do. Our normal approach would be to speak to people directly, write to them and instigate investigations, gaining evidence should the local authorities ever need to intervene. Every attempt will be made by the onsite team to address the matter quickly and efficiently and 99 times out of 100 our efforts are successful – hence the minimal amount f complaints received. Request for First Port legal letter If the onsite team exhaust all avenues available to them and our direct approach has no been successful, a request for a First Port legal letter to be sent can be raised. This action will remind the said resident that their behaviour is not acceptable and that if it continues then the landlord could take legal action against them. The letter will explain that their behaviour could result in court referral or forfeiture of their lease. For this to happen to onsite team will need to provide evidence of the complaints received and the lengths they have gone to resolve the issue. Everything is then collated and passed onto our legal team for review before the letter is sent out. Landlord referral

Should the legal letter have no affect and the person(s) causing the anti-social behaviour are showing no signs

of improving their behaviour, then the case will be referred to the landlord. Ultimately it is the Landlord who has

the power to enforce covenants within a lease, i.e. Estates and Management.

When experiencing anti-social behaviour you should always contact the local council for guidance. In the case of Repton Park, residents should approach London Borough of Redbridge as they have specialist departments who deal such issues.

Residents can contact Redbridge‟s Anti-social behaviour team.

Tel: 0208 478 4679. Email: asb.team@redbridge.gov.uk

The Redbridge Anti-social Behaviour aims to intervene as soon as possible to:

Protect victims, witnesses and the community

Enable the perpetrator to recognise the consequences of their behaviour

Encourage the perpetrator to change their behaviour.

The team will liaise with the Police in dealing with criminal activities such as dealing or buying drugs and vandalism and with other enforcement agencies of the council such as street scene and licensing.

There are a number of measures available to the Anti social behaviour team which they can take to combat problems including:

Persons can be interviewed

Warning letters can be sent

Agreements, such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC‟s) may be signed

Parenting Orders and Individual Support Orders may be obtained

Noise Abatement Notices may be served

Injunctions and Dispersal powers may be issued

Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO‟s) may be obtained

“Crack house” closure orders may be obtained and executed

Prosecution for breach of a Noise Abatement Notice

This may lead to a fine of up to £20,000 for each offence (commercial) and £5,000 (domestic) if found guilty

Obtaining a warrant from the magistrates to seize and remove all noise making equipment, which may be destroyed

Start possession proceedings against Council tenants

Using contractors to disable alarms and recharging the owner for the costs. The council may use force to gain access when necessary and may also prosecute.

Metropolitan Police

Police attendance in June

The police visited Repton Park on 7 occasions throughout the month of June. 6 of the visits were general

patrols by the police as noted below. There was 1 occasion where the First Port staff called the police to site.

General Patrol x 6

06/06/2015 18.45

12/06/2015 20.50

14/06/2015 10.00

16/06/2015 21.30

26/06/2015 23.10

28/06/2015 11.30

Date Time Reason Of call out police Cab

reference Time of visit Feedback from the visit

Of call

6-06-2015

7.00am

A drunken young man pulled the

toilet door off at the gate house

after demanding the concierge

call for a taxi.

CAD2421

7:15am

The police arrived 15 minutes after the

incident, spoke to the staff and once

they established what direction the

man left Repton Park went to look for

him. Unfortunately they could not

locate him.

Safer Neighbourhood Update

Facebook: Facebook.com/metpoliceuk Twitter: @metpoliceuk

Good evening,

Since the last email there has not been any residential burglaries on the ward, yes that‟s right your eyes did not deceive

you, 0 residential burglaries on the ward. This is fantastic news for you as residents and also us the Safer Neighbourhood

team. Keep up the good work!

We have however unfortunately had three theft of motor vehicles on the ward which is very disappointing. Keyless car

thefts have been a problematic crime within London over the last six months.

Organised criminals are able to steal some of these vehicles in less than 30 seconds. They do this by using specialist

equipment to programme a blank key that is compatible with the vehicle. They do not need the original key. This means

that they do not need to steal your key in order to steal your motor vehicle.

To reduce the chances of becoming a victim of keyless vehicle theft, please consider additional security

measures:

• Consider using an approved car alarm, steering wheel lock or gearstick lock in addition to your vehicle‟s own security. If

you have a driveway consider a parking post fixed into the ground.

• Consider having an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) lock professionally fitted to the OBD port.

• Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area, a garage, a staffed car park or an area covered by CCTV.

• Ensure that your vehicle is locked when leaving it, by double checking it is secure.

For advice on recommended security devices, see:

www.thatcham.org/security www.soldsecure.com

We have had an ATM theft on the high street at the bank where by a victim was approached by two eastern European

males at the cash point who asked her for her pin number and pretended to attempt to help her use the cash point and

made off with her card.

When using the cash points please be aware of people around you, if you're not sure, go inside the bank or walk away.

Never use your phone or have ear phones in when using the cash point, be alert and focused.

Stand close to the machine and always shield the keypad to avoid anyone seeing you enter your pin number.

Keep an eager eye out for anything unusual about the cash point, I always feel the card insert and keypad to see if anything is loose before entering my card, look out for any devices attached to the machine.

Once you have finished your transaction discreetly put your money and card away, never walk away with these visible in your hand.

If in doubt and you can, use the cash point inside a bank and alert staff of any unusual activity.

PC 409 Charlotte Herring

Fairlop Neighbourhood Policing Team Email - Fairlop.snt@met.police.uk Tel - 020 8721 2569

Security / Health & Safety

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 18 bad parking notices issued in

June, so a slight decrease from last month. 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 Vehicle Reason for vehicle being refused access Staff

Of Visit Of Visit To Repton Park Reg onto Repton Park Name

06/06/2015 20.05 2 boys wanted to visit a friend. xxx Refused entry- they were drunk. Tariq

06/06/2015 20.30 Food delivery. xxx Refused entry- provided wrong address. Tariq

06/06/2015 20.36 2 young guys wanted to go to gym.

xxx Refused entry- Gym was closed. Tariq

07/06/2015 00.25 Same young guys came back to visit....

xxx Refused entry. Tariq

10/06/2015 23.10 Wanted to go to the gym. xxx Gym was closed Thilak

12/06/2015 00.40 Young guys wanted to visit a friend.

xxx Refused entry - provided wrong address. Thilak

21/06/2015 20.28 3 young guys wanted to go to gym.

xxx Refused entry - Gym closed. Tariq

22/04/2015

23.45 1 young man wanted to go to gym.

xxx Refused entry - Gym closed. Tariq

27/06/2015

21.05 4 young guys wanted to visit a friend.

xxx Refused entry - provided wrong address. Charles

28/06/2015 21.50 3 young guys wanted to go to gym.

xxx Refused entry - Gym was closed. Thilak

Security Upgrades – Main Entrance

First Port has started to look into the final phase of security

improvements around the main entrance. This project has been done

in conjunction with the Repton Park Residents Association.

The objective and final phase of this 3 phase project is to introduce a

pedestrian gate opposite the gatehouse on the footpath. The gate

would then operate off a digital keypad and residents of Repton Park

given the code. This would stop non residents freely walking into

Repton Park and secure the main entrance.

The pedestrian gate will have a direct link to the gatehouse, meaning

the concierge could press a release button, opening the gate and

allowing people to enter to development if not deemed a risk. The

Development Manager has also made enquiries about the possibility

of having audio connection from the footpath and barrier back to the

concierge office, again hoping to make subtle changes but for the

better at Repton Park.

At the minute the concierge has to talk across the outgoing lane and in bad weather conditions it can be

challenging for the concierge to understand what people are saying. It is also not the best system for visitors.

A quote has been obtained for the work and the Development

Manager will review this with a member of the Repton Park Residents

Association. This is in support of our open and transparent working

relationship. Further quotes are to be obtained but we are hoping to

carry out the works in August. It is to be acknowledged that the RPRA

would like the works carried out sooner however due to funds and not

wanting to rush the final stage of such an important project, it has

been decided to instigate the work in the new service charge period.

The pictures show a contractor who visited Repton Park to complete

a survey for the final phase of upgrades after being briefed of our

objective and vision for the entrance into the development.

The picture to the right gives an indication of the height of the

proposed pedestrian gate. It was felt that anything lower would not be

practical or have the right impact and anything higher would be

impractical; not in keeping. It is important that efforts are made to

keep the entrance as pleasing on the eye as possible

The Role of a Residents Association &

Working with First Port

At First Port we believe it is important to maintain a healthy working

relationship with the Repton Park Residents Association. More so,

it is important that both sides fully understand their roles and

responsibilities.

A Resident‟s Associations job is to act as a voice; a transparent channel of communication and point of

contact for residents to come to. In the case of the Repton Park Residents Association, this would relate to

issues specific to the running of Repton Park and possibly things within the local community. Residents

Associations have certain rights and in the case of the Repton Park Residents Association they can:

1. Ask the landlord for a summary of service charge costs each year;

2. Inspect the accounts and receipts;

3. Propose names of contractor for inclusion in any tender list when major works are to be done;

4. Request details of the insurance policy for the building;

5. To be consulted on the appointment or re-appointment of a managing agent for the building;

6. Be sent a copy of estimates obtained by the landlord for intended work to their properties.

7. Appoint a surveyor who will have rights of access to the property and to the documents retained by those who manage the property.

The onsite Management Team currently attend monthly evening meetings with the Repton Park Residents

Association and have been since the new committee was formed nearly 2 years ago. Monthly attendance was

agreed by First Port so that Matthew Snelling and Nathalie Vignolle could establish and work on a new

relationship with all involved.

Further to attending the evening meetings every month, the Development Manager also provides a detailed

report on what has happened on site throughout the course of each month; going above and beyond his daily

responsibilities, keeping the RPRA updated on all aspects associated with the running of the development.

Management also work closely and attend meetings when required with the various sub-committees the

Repton Park Residents Association has introduced.

As a successful working structure has been introduced with the RPRA, The Development Manager will only be

attending evening meetings on a bi-monthly basis. This is to ensure none of the others services we offer on

site are affected and he has adequate time to spend with his staff, contractors and the other Residents

Associations he works alongside, such as Claybury Villas Management Co Ltd, Claybury Hall Management Co

Ltd, The Manor at Repton Park RTM Limited, and The Avenue Residents Association. The Development

Manager will continue to provide monthly updates and be available as normal to residents and the committee.

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 = £19,588.03

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

however to summarise the debt is made up of only 8 bad debtors! This is simply fantastic for the development

the size of Repton Park.

The Development Manager is so impressed he wrote to the Bespoke Collection Team thanking them for all

their hard work and support, making sure they are aware that their efforts are appreciated and acknowledged.

Rosebury Square - £4416.35

Alexandra House - £1553.54

Goldsmith House - £5652.15

Tavistock House - £1479.75

Bartholomew House - £1520.18

Osbourne House - £4966.06

Rosebury Sqaure

22%

Osbourne 25%

Bartholomew 8%

Tavistock 8%

Goldsmith 29%

Alexandra 8%

Rosebury Sqaure

Osbourne

Bartholomew

Tavistock

Goldsmith

Alexandra

Repton & Claybury Park History

Repton Park

Claybury Hospital occupied 236 acres on a ridge close to the northern boundary of Redbridge. The hospital

buildings completed in 1893 and designed by G.T. Hine were built in the grounds of Claybury Hall, a mansion

built in 1785. The hospital was planned on an echelon style clustered around a series of courtyards and set in

Humphrey Repton designed parkland. The grounds included remnants of a valuable ancient woodland and

orchard.

With the Care in the Community Programme and the inevitable decline in patient numbers from its peak of

4,000 patients, Claybury faced a difficult future. The NHS pressed for extensive demolition and maximum new

build, the Local Planning Authority and English Heritage for maximum retention of the historic buildings and

restriction of new build to the existing footprint, in accordance with the Green Belt allocation in the Unitary

Development Plan.

A 60 day Public Inquiry was held in 1997 and the Council/English Heritage position was accepted. Meanwhile,

the buildings continued to fall into extensive disrepair, having suffered from years of neglect.

Following the Secretary of State‟s decision, the Council entered into discussions with Crest Nicholson PLC

who took up the opportunity to create a new community, focussed upon restoration of much of the former

hospital buildings but also providing over 400 new homes. The initial task was to produce a Master Plan for the

site that involved retention of the echelon buildings and clearance of the „inner core‟ service buildings.

A boulevard was created within this „inner core‟ by replacing the service buildings with three-storey houses

and planting of mature trees, and the creation of new squares. The boulevard terminated at a notable

landmark (the water tower) and a new piazza in front of the former recreation hall and chapel. Other key

landmarks were retained so as to punctuate vistas and views across open parkland and internal squares.

The principal access into the site was taken along its original alignment to the head of the boulevard,

resurfaced with bound gravel and traditional lighting standards installed.

The open space was defined into a number of categories beyond the space immediately around the buildings,

including the former sports field, which was proposed as amenity space to be used in association with the

converted buildings: the Repton parkland, open grassland and ancient woodland.

Claybury Hall was proposed for thorough restoration and extension and further enabling development in a

series of five pockets of development dispersed around the former grounds. They were deliberately designed

to contrast with the strong focus of buildings around the central boulevard area in order to accentuate their

presence in the neighbourhood.

The Master Plan was accompanied by detailed drawings of the early phases of both conversion and new build.

A lengthy and detailed Section 106 undertaking was negotiated between the Council and Crest Homes.

The Repton Park development has subsequently been carried out. The ward blocks and Claybury Hall have

been converted to residential use. A total of 400+ units have been provided and constitutes a valuable

contribution to meeting local housing allocation as well as meeting key historic building and Green Belt policy

objectives.

The worst of 100 years of institutional „alterations‟ has been removed and new viable uses have been found

for the „collegiate‟ buildings of the water tower, recreation hall and chapel without losing their key historic

qualities. The chapel has been converted to a swimming pool and the recreation hall to a gym open to public

membership. The photo below takes us back in time and shows exactly how the swimming pool used to look.

Repton Park, a gated village community, is a very special place to live. The amenity space around the historic

buildings is of exceptional quality and complements the high quality restoration of the former hospital buildings.

Claybury Park

A key aspect of the development at Repton Park is Claybury Park, with its 104 acres - which is adjacent to

Repton Park.

Claybury Park has now been restored and adopted by the London Borough of Redbridge and is thought to be

the largest new public park in London for a century, incorporating cycle ways, paths and a wide variety of

spaces from formal parkland to ancient woodland, grassland and wetlands.

Conservation Area

In December 2005 the historic and architectural uniqueness of Repton & Claybury Park was recognised, by

the London Borough of Redbridge, when both locations were designated approved Conservation Areas.

End of report