Kings Crescent

Christmas social and TRA meeting
2019-12-10 17:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Unit C (vacant unit by Wallington), Murrain Road
Minutes of the (E)TRA meeting:
The meeting was attended by 12 residents and the following representatives:
Annette Reid (AR) – LB Hackney Housing Officer KC
John Morris (JM) – Source Partnership (ITLA)
Sam Curtis Lindsay (SCL) – Hackney Showroom
Clare Potter – Councillor Brownswood ward
Bernard Thomas – LB Hackney Environment Management
Billy Dunne – LB Hackney Environment Management
Bianca Rembrandt – LB Hackney Community Safety & Enforcement
Charlotte Moriba – LB Hackney Resident Participation Team
Deborah Noel (DS) – LB Hackney ASB Team

Agenda Item
Lead
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
Emley

2
Estate Issues & Questions

Senior representatives from various Hackney departments available to discuss issues/questions regarding Kings Crescent:
· Housing Officer for Kings Crescent (Annette Reid):
Annette received written answers from the New Build to the TRAs questions as they could not attend. The answers provided were not satisfactory, Annette is suggesting that those issues are raised at the steering group.
Claire Potter also volunteers to deal with some of these issues.
Emley explains that as a resident it’s difficult to get resolution and answers from Hackney as everybody says those particular issues are not dealt with by their department.
Annette suggests to also email neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk where she can channel the issues to the right person. Alternatively the info@hackney.gov.uk is also an email address where any questions can be raised and the email will be passed on to the right department.
Deborah suggest we (TRA) make an action plan where we keep track of the pending actions from Hackney and the dates issues were raised. This way there is track of how long issues take to get resolved and it easier for Hackney representatives to grasp the urgency of some of these pending actions.
Annette holds weekly (ish) meetings in the Vince Murrain Centre most Thursdays between 2-4pm.
The police will serve a 24hour notice to the travellers tonight and will be evicted within 2 weeks. At no point should residents approach these people, they are not friendly travellers (some are but not them). There is a travellers’ officer who is happy to be contacted by any resident: 02083565154 angie.emmerson@hackney.gov.uk
· New Build Team: could not make it.
· Anti-social behaviour team (Bianca and Deborah)
· Deborah confirms that if a resident raises an issue, the responding officer should update that resident regularly. Residents are raising the fact that Hackney doesn’t come back to people and that CCTV doesn’t work on the estate. Deborah also explains that crimes have to be dealt with by the police unless the criminal is a resident of the estate, ASB team cannot do anything otherwise.
Bianca explains that if a resident is not happy with Hackney’s service, they can raise the issue with a community trigger (against one person over several actions or against many people over one action).
Bianca has been patrolling the estate and she got suspicious people’s details who she has managed to link to people known from Hackney. Things are being done.
Alice raises the issue of the CCTV and the fact that we can’t get a straight answer as whether or not is works. Deborah suggests residents ask for a job number when calling to raise this type of issue.
Annette took 14 actions regarding CCTV at the last meeting here are the update on these. In the new builds the cameras are working. On the old side: There are 5 cameras working at ?? Court. There were 15 cameras not working across the estate, they have been removed. There is a capital camera replacement project for 2019-2020, some of the cameras removed will be replaced during this project.
· Waste Operations
Billy: the algae solution was to buff the top and clean, now it needs to be sprayed regularly to keep on top of it but it shouldn’t come back.
Jill is asking how often the old blocks are being cleaned. Billy says every day, Jill confirms this has not been the case recently. There is a problem of urine in the lift.
Pigeons: Charmaine has only got 97 responses out of over 500, of them 27 said they were affected by the pigeons. In March there will be a pilot project costing £70,000; a special gel will be used which looks like fire and scares pigeons. It should be around £130 per property.
Annette Reid & colleagues
Billy, Annette to send a list of contact at Hackney

Emley to email Claire Potter the list of issues regarding the new builds and discuss at Steering Group.

NewBuild to send update on CCTV and security

DS to send the Community Trigger information

Annette will invite the New Build Team to the next TRA meeting
Annette will find out if the pigeon gel is a one payment for a few years or if this is a yearly cost

TRA to create an action plan

3
Unit C Update

· Introduction to Hackney Showroom
Hackney Showroom are the new tenant of Unit C.
Sam explains that Hackney Showroom has been around Hackney for a long time and they produce shows and organise event for Hackney community (activities for kids, adult learning etc.).

· Update on progress so far and funding opportunities
HS and the TRA have a plan of sharing the space but are trying to find funding for creating a division to create two places. Hackney Showroom wants to have a clear plan of the future before signing up for a 5year lease with Hackney.
Emley and HS have put a few applications for funding for joint events and activities.
Emley/Sam
Emley to update the TRA on tomorrow’s meeting on Unit C funding for the division/sharing

4
TRA Update

Events & Family fun mornings going well.
Emley

Bank account & finances
One person yet to provide details to open the bank account and then 5 working days to do so should be open in January 2020.
Alice gives an explanation of the Finance Policy she wrote. Emley suggests that section 3 is different for the funding coming from Hackney. She proposes this is excluded from the level one as the £3000 could disappear fast if many people request £500 each.
SH propose that the policy is approved, including the proposed changes. Jill seconds. Alice will update the policy and send around for final approval of the wording.
Alice
Alice to update the policy with suggestion regarding the funding coming from Hackney

Planning permission granted for phase 3&4
Balconies to existing block should be first when the work starts but this could take some time (many months).
Jill is happy to take questions if residents have some for the next steering group.
Sarah H

Vision for Kings Crescent Community
To discuss more at next meeting/events
Emley

5
Upcoming Community Events:

February party
HS offered to organise an event if there is budget for it, with artists! The TRA wants an early event for families and an adult only event in the evening.
There should be a good amount of money left.
Further conversations to be had by committee regarding details of the event.

Alice and Emley to confirm how much money is left from the Hackney’s funding (£3500)

Any other ideas?

6
Any other business?
Jill mentioned Hackney CVS. If the TRA was a member it would be entitled to free training and events where it is possible to meet with funders.
Jill mentions that she has not got any news or minutes from the meetings with other TRAs (Panel group, resident participation?).

Jill to email this panel group to confirm she wants to be updated on future meetings and receiving minutes (in Jan)

7
Dates of next meetings TBC (March, June, September & December)
Next meeting: 10th March 2020.

8
Social time
(Festive refreshments provided)

Previous information prior to the event:
We will be combining the next official resident’s meeting with a social event to celebrate the festive season!
Timings:

Social time 5.30-7pm including:

children’s craft activities
mulled wine/juice, mince pies and other refreshments
All welcome!!!

TRA meeting: 7:15-8:45pm
Social time 8:45pm-9:30pm

All residents of Kings Crescent are welcome!
Agenda for TRA meeting:

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley

2
Estate Issues & Questions
45 mins

Senior representatives from various Hackney departments available to discuss issues/questions regarding Kings Crescent:
· Housing Officer for Kings Crescent (Annette Reid)
· New Build Team
· Anti-social behaviour team
· Waste Operations

Annette Reid & colleagues

3
Unit C Update
15 mins

· Introduction to Hackney Showroom
· Update on progress so far and funding opportunities

Emley/Emma
Nina/Sam

4
TRA Update
15 mins

Events & Family fun mornings

Emley

Bank account & finances

Alice

Planning permission granted phase 3&4

Sarah H

Vision for Kings Crescent Community

Emley

5
Upcoming Community Events:
5 mins

February party

Any other ideas?

6
Any other business?
5-10 mins

7
Dates of next meetings TBC (March, June, September & December)

8
Social time
(Festive refreshments provided)
Remaining time

If you have anything you would like to be on the agenda please let us know: kcresidentsgroup@outlook.com This can be something you would like to talk about yourself or if you have questions you would like answered by the TRA committee or Hackney. Thanks!

Festive social for flood affected residents
2019-12-15 13:30 - 17:00 | Hackney Showroom, Murrain Road, London, N4 2GD
Festive social event to bring together the residents from the local area who were affected by the Queens Drive flood. Many of the affected residents are now living out of the area temporarily so this is an opportunity to come back together as a community and support each other.
There will be festive refreshments and craft activities and games to keep the kids entertained
Thames Water and Hackney Resident Participation team are hosting the event, Kings Crescent TRA are supporting with organising, Hackney Showroom are kindly donated their space to use for the venue & Source Partnership have designed the flyer.

December Steering Group Meeting
2019-12-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Unit C (vacant unit by Wallington), Murrain Road
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the newly formed steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
If you are not part of the steering group you can always express any views directly to Carol and John or discuss with the KC residents committee who can feedback into the steering group:
john@sourcepartnership.com
carol@sourcepartnership.com
kcresidentsgroup@outlook.com

Agenda:

Agenda item
Lead

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Bell (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 9th October 2019 and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Bell (Chair)

3
Phase 3 & 4 update, including planning and procurement

Ron (LBH)

4
Phase 1 & 2 update

Bronwen (LBH)

5
Update from ITLA

Source

6
TRA update

Emley (Residents Group Chair)

7
Any urgent business

Cllr Bell (Chair)

8
Dates of next meeting

Cllr Bell (Chair)

Christmas drinks after the meeting

Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods meeting
2020-01-17 19:45 - 20:30 | Vince Murrrain Community Centre, N4 2GD
Message from SNTGD-Brownswood@met.police.uk
Dear Ward Member,
Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods team kindly requests your presence at Vince Murrain, Kings Crescent Community Hall near Queens Drive N4, the meeting will begin at 07.45pm Friday 17 January. We are welcoming new joiners to the Safer Neighbourhoods team and look forward to gathering the thoughts and feelings of residents. We apologise for the short notice of this invite however as a Policing team we have no other available evenings to host this event.
Regards,

Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.
Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/

January Family Fun Morning
2020-01-25 10:30 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space (Unit C), Next to Wallington Court, Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN
The Family Fun Morning is back for 2020!
This play session is run by the residents group on the last Saturday of every month.
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun.
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
Some refreshments provided but we no longer get contributions from Sainsburys so please bring something if you can e.g. box of juice, some fruit, packet of biscuits etc. Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities etc or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!

January Steering Group Meeting
2020-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.

February Family Fun Morning
2020-02-29 10:30 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This play session is run by the chair of the residents group on the last Saturday of every month.
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun.
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
Some refreshments provided but we no longer get contributions from Sainsburys so please bring something if you can e.g. box of juice, some fruit, packet of biscuits etc. Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities etc or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!

Police meeting
2020-03-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Azalea Court, 40 Queen's Drive, London, N4 2BF
Brownswood Ward Panel Minutes 03/03/2020

Venue: 18:30 hours, Azalea court, Queens Drive, N4

Officers Present: PC Hussain, PC PCSO Ashraf, PS Durrant
Chair:

Cap Partners Present: Cllr Clare Potter, Bianca Rembrandt
Apologies:, Annette Reid

Minutes:

Meeting opened. Apologies given.

Agenda and minutes of past meeting read and agreed.

Introductions.

PC Hussain opens the meeting at 1835 hours.

Kings Crescent estate

PC Hussain provides brief update on police activity at Kings Crescent estate. Police have been conducting regular patrols and some residents stated that there has been a slight improvement.
A resident from Therefield court (Kings Crescent estate) stated that ASB was still bad around the location. There has been reports of people hanging around the bin shed area taking drugs and by prostitutes. Police attended and caught two people who were hanging around the location. There are also concerns about prostitutes who are seen at 9:30am. These problems are apparent outside Therefield and Kelshall court.
Bianca Rembrandt updated residents about herself liaising with Annette Reid and cleaners who operate on the estate. The plan is to carry out further interventions, have stronger interactions and send out community protection warnings. There has been work around gathering as much information in a hope that the courts will work in our favour. Enforcement officers who operate in the area get challenged, we target problem addresses and hope offenders do not return.
Cllr Potter stated that most problem are early in the morning.
PS Durrant stated that we will look at calls and pay more attention to affected areas. We will also ask Op Vice to monitor the location to deal with prostitution. Op Vice is run by members of the safer neighbourhood’s team and more operations will be planned in the future.
PC Hussain stated that we conduct weapons sweep and recently we got an arrest at Bramfield court. This helps us to recognise suspects operating in the area. Officers also hope to conduct more patrols in the area.

Blackstock road

PC Hussain updates residents on a tri borough operation on Blackstock road. There has been an increased effort to combine officers from neighbouring boroughs in order to deal with ASB issues at location. We will also request task force to come along more regularly to help with issues on Blackstock road.
PS Durrant stated that we will request other officers from specialised units such as the task force to come from Mon-Thu. We will also ask street duties to also come along and show more visible presence.
Cllr Potter highlighted the issue with people not reporting matters enough to the police. Cllr Potter welcomes the news of Brownswood SNT bringing more officers to deal with ASB issues. Cllr Potter also stated that there is a walk around with Islington officers planned soon.
PC Hussain stated that we identified a doorway area next to the Sainsbury’s which will be continuously looked at and targeted.
One of the residents stated that on a positive note they have witnessed more visibility of officers at Blackstock road recently.
PS Durrant stated that officers from Islington are also helping patrol the area. The last operation carried out at the location helped gather a lot more intelligence with CCTV images. There will be a continuous effort to make these types of operations a more regular occurrence.

Green Lanes – Sainsbury’s

PC Hussain stated that we have more resources to tackle robberies and more patrols are conducted to prevent ASB issues.
One of the residents wished to highlight an area next to Clissold Park (Greenway road) where some of the main offenders hang around.
PC Hussain provided an update about recent police activity where 3 people were arrested around the location.
PS Durrant stated that we have combined officers from Clissold ward and Stoke Newington ward to patrol around Clissold Park. We have also requested Robbery squad to patrol the area in the evening time. The Met have also paid for a drone to cover the park area which would be a very useful tool to have.

Other Issues

PC Hussain stated that the police met with Clarion housing in order to suggest installing more CCTV around Barkway court. PC Hussain also stated that we have knocked on doors at Wilberforce road and Finsbury park road in order to encourage people to report crime as much as they can.
A resident wished to highlight an issue with very noisy drug dealing and ASB activity which takes place at Brownswood road, Wilberforce road and Mountgrove road.
PS Durrant states that we are aware of issues on Wilberforce road, Finsbury park road. We are working towards implementing a PSPO (Public spaces protection order) in order to deal with ASB issues. PS Durrant requests residents to continue in report to the police.
A resident wished to highlight an issue with very noisy bikes on Finsbury park road. This is normally between 1:30 – 6:30pm.
A resident from St johns court stated that he will be sending a letter to the estate manager (Jonathan West) and request more CCTV, re enforcement of the entry doors and better fencing.
Cllr Potter offers all residents if anyone wished to volunteer themselves to chair the Brownswood ward panel meeting.
PC Hussain stated that we plan to hold police public contact sessions on Blackstock road. The date and times will be published soon.

New Promises.

1 – Kings Crescent estate/Mountgrove road

Patrol affected area
Issue ASB warnings

2 – Blackstock road

Patrol areas affected
Continue to issue CPN’s
Issue ASB warnings

3 – Wilberforce road
Promises

Patrol areas affected
Continue to issue CPN’s
Issue ASB warnings

Next Meeting – TBC

London Borough of Hackney
Brownswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team
Telephone: 07843291140
Email: Brownswood.snt@met.police.uk

Info on website prior to the meeting:
The ward panel meetings arranged by the local police ‘Safer Neighbourhood Team’ are a great opportunity for residents to get an update about local crimes and ongoing issues, as well as voice any concerns.
From: SNTGD-Brownswood@met.police.uk
Subject: Brownswood Ward panel meeting 03/03/2020
Dear Brownswood residents,
We are pleased to confirm our next ward panel meeting has been planned to take place on the 3rd of march 2020. The meeting will take place at Azalea court, queens drive at 6:30pm. We hope to see you there.
Regards
Brownswood SNT
Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.
Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/

TRA meeting March
2020-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent TRA Meeting Minutes
Held on 10 March 2020 in Hackney Showroom Space ‘Unit C’
Chair of meeting: Emley Pine
In attendance:
12 Residents
Annette Reid (AR) – LB Hackney Housing Officer KC
John Morris (JM) – Source Partnership (ITLA)
Clare Potter – Councillor Brownswood ward
Bronwen Thomas – LB Hackney Regeneration Team (Phases 1&2)
Siovhan Crombie – LB Hackney Resident Participation Team
Donna Bryce – New Build and Resident’s safety

Agenda Item
Lead
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
Last meeting actions update
Jill propose to accept the minutes, Andrew seconds

Emley

2
Estate Issues & Questions (ETRA)

Opportunity to ask Hackney about estate issues
In attendance:
· Bronwen Thomas from Hackney Regeneration Team to discuss ongoing unresolved issues with phase 1&2 e.g. slippery courtyards
· Donna Bryce New Build Team
· Annette Reid Housing Officer for Kings Crescent
Siovhan Crombie – Resident Participation Support Officer
Issues discussed:
· All doors have been looked at by Higgins, the top mechanisms (door closers) have all been replaced. There are still issues in Redbourne, Kimpton & Wallington Court. It is unclear what will be covered by Higgins and what will go through service charges or a different pot of money from the new build team (which is not recharged to residents through service charges).
· Hackney is working on getting a quote to have CCTV installed in the bike stores. At this point this is just a study. It hasn’t been decided whether or not it will happen.
· Graffiti in the lifts, Hackney is looking at changing the material so that it cannot be scratched. Andrew ask that Redborne is added on to the list of lifts to be upgraded.
· Hackney has a new contractor to maintain the HIU.
· The smoke vent lights coming on: now that the maintenance contract with Higgins is over, Hackney will look into a long-term solution rather than having Higgins just resetting the system every time it trips.
· All of Kings Crescent buildings now have a document (available on request) that conforms with mortgage provider’s requirement regarding the cladding fire hazard.
· Regarding the key holes that everybody can open (those keys are easily available): The police suggests that a plastic box is fitted over them but the fire brigade recommends not to. A meeting is organised between Hackney, the police and the fire brigade to find the best solution.
·

Hackney is still in the opinion that Higgins should pay for a long-term solution regarding the paving that is growing mould. They are fighting to say that it is a defect. Hackney will look into trying the have the private terraces dealt with by Higgins as well as the shared area.
·

Pigeon solution. Hackney is waiting for the reply from residents to decide if they will go ahead with the gel. The cost would be £130 per household if it is done estate wide. If it doesn’t go ahead, Hackney will be able to go advice on what product to get. DA stated that there is a product that can be purchased by individuals affected which only costs £20-30. EP asked that this option be given to residents now as the current survey feels very all or nothing.
· Community safety team is looking into the issues of prostitution, drugs etc. Phase 2 has been approved and will be launched (phase 1 already happened).
· ASB can be reported to the ASB team (from Hackney), the community safety team (from Hackney) and the Brownswood safe neighbourhood team (police). There is also an app that can be used to help rough-sleepers if that is the concern being reported: streetlink. All ASB should be reported so there is a record of the magnitude of the issue. The police will not intervene instantly but when they have resources to spare, they need the intelligence to be able to target the problematic areas.
·

The Capital Camera Replacement Programme mentioned during the last meeting will start in May. CCTV will be added where needed for example in the corner if Bramfield Court.
· Heating rate increase. Hackney will not recover the cost that has been lost up to now. Residents want to know how does Hackney make sure the gas they buy to run the central heating plant is at a competitive price.
· On the 22 March there will be a communal walkabout for people to point out what they would like to see refreshed. Meet at 10am Vince Murrain Hall.

Hackney (DA)

Re-issue the letter with the deadline and the information about the product

Find the information and share it with residents regarding how they are making sure the gas they buy is at a competitive rate.uct.

3
Amendments to TRA constitution & new policies

· Amend details that are causing issues setting up a bank account
· Sarah proposes that the updates to the constitution and the finance policy are approved and Jill seconds. No one objects.
· New TRA Health & Safety policy introduced
New TRA Equality & diversity policy introduced

Questions are raised regarding point 5. of the GA sections: how can we make sure that we have a trained first aider at each event. Emley and Emilie already are, it is proposed that more people get the training.
· Alice proposes that we accept the H&S and Equality & Diversity Policies Jill seconds. No one objects.
· Andrew proposes that we put up a statement inviting different people form different backgrounds to join the committee.

Alice
Emley

TRA officers (1 or 2) to do their first aid training

4
TRA committee Update

Bank account & finances update
The process with NatWest is going well and should be completed before it would have been done with Santander.

Alice

Unit C plans
The wall should be built in June and funded by Ron’s team (Hackney Regeneration). Unit C will therefore need to close down for a bit at this point. The kitchen will be reduced in size for the Hackney Showroom’s office to be expanded.
There will be a group of scouts (boys and girls) for 4-5 year old using Unit C when it is ready.
By September the place should be ready to be used.

Emley/HS

Spacehive update
· Current 177 backers & £4,233
· Mayor has pledged £12,000!
· Press release in next few days
· Around £3,000 away from target now
· A new leaflet will be created to continue the campaign. Counsellor Clare Potter is interested in getting some so she can distribute some.

Emley

Social media
Kings Crescent TRA now on social media – Instagram, Facebook & twitter – follow/like @KingsCrescentN4

Emley/Andrew

Feedback survey re community activities, ideas & needs
Source has received a few hard copies back and the survey- monkey online should be live tomorrow.

Source/Emley
Put the link to the survey on the website.

5
Upcoming Community Events:
Emley

21 March party
Hackney Showroom is organising it and Hackney is paying them directly. Hackney Showroom will be running the whole thing and clearing afterwards. Committee can then have tome to engage with residents.

Beach trip? Other events?
To be discussed at the next committee meeting.

6
Any other business?

5-10 mins

7
Dates of next meetings
21 April for committee officers only (and Clare Potter)
9 June for next ETRA meeting (General Meeting)

8
Social time

Remaining time

Meeting closed at 9.45pm

Content prior to the meeting:
This quarterly meeting is a chance for Kings Crescent residents to come together to discuss ideas for community events, activities etc.
Hackney departments are also invited to these meeting to answer questions residents may have.
This meeting will be attended by the Regeneration team and New Build Team who can answer questions regarding ongoing snagging issues in the newer blocks e.g. slippy courtyards, faulty doors etc. Annette Reid also attends who is the Housing Officer for the older part of the estate and will soon inherit the management of the newer blocks from the ‘New Build Team’.
The TRA committee will also be giving some updates.
Any questions or suggestions for the meeting agenda please contact the TRA committee: kcresidentsgroup@outlook.com
We usually end with some drinks and social time to continue conversations or chat to neighbours.
Meeting Agenda
10 March 2020 7.00-9.00pm (including social time at the end)

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley

2
Estate Issues & Questions (ETRA)
55 minutes

Opportunity to ask Hackney about estate issues
· Ron Greenwood & Bronwen Thomas from Hackney Regeneration Team to discuss ongoing unresolved issues with phase 1&2 e.g. slippery courtyards
· New Build Team
· Annette Reid Housing Officer for Kings Crescent
· Siovhan Crombie – Resident Participation Support Officer

Hackney representatives

3
Amendments to TRA constitution & new policies
15 mins

· Amend details that are causing issues setting up a bank account
· New TRA Health & Safety policy
· New TRA Equality & diversity policy

Alice
Emley

4
TRA committee Update
25 mins

Bank account & finances update

Alice

Unit C plans

Emley/HS

Spacehive update

Emley

Social media

Emley/Andrew

Feedback survey re community activities, ideas & needs

Source/Emley

5
Upcoming Community Events:
5-10mins

21 March party

Beach trip? Other events

6
Any other business?
5-10 mins

7
Dates of next meetings TBC

8
Social time
Remaining time

** Postponed** Community Party
2020-03-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space (Unit C), Next to Wallington Court, Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN
Hi everyone, given the current Coronavirus situation we are unfortunately having to postpone the community party we were planning for this Saturday. We will hopefully do it in May depending on the situation then. Stay safe everyone and keep hand-washing!!

The TRA committee in partnership with Hackney Showroom are putting on a big community party!

** POSTPONED** Estate Improvement Walkabout
2020-03-27 09:15 - 10:00 | Vince Murrrain Community Centre, N4 2GD
**Postponed until further notice due to Coronavirus**
This is an opportunity for residents to suggest improvements to the communal areas of the estate.
It will be attended by the housing officer (Annette Reid), communal works officer and local councillor.
Any resident is welcome to attend. Meet at Vince Murrain hall at 9.15am

**Postponed** June ETRA meeting
2020-06-09 19:00 - 20:30
**Postponed** – due to Covid-19 restrictions this meeting cannot happen in person but we are looking at ways of moving this meeting online so will advertise another date for this and further information soon.

ETRA meetings are a chance for Kings Crescent residents to meet with representitives from Hackney departments to discuss issues on the Estate.
These meetings are usually attented by Annette Reid, the Estate Manager for the older parts of the estate and a representitive for the newer parts of the estate. Other departments that might be invited, depending on the concerns at the time, include cleaning team, antisocial behaviour team, community safety team, regeneration team etc.

ETRA meeting July
2020-07-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Kings Crescent ETRA July Meeting Minutes
08 July 2020 7.00-8.30pm
On Zoom only due to Covid-19 restrictions

Chair of meeting: Emley Pine (Chair of TRA Committee)
Attended by 23 residents

In attendance:
Bianca Rembrandt (BR)
Community Safety and Principal Enforcement Officer (Hackney)

Annette Reid
Housing Officer (Hackney)

Bronwen Thomas (BT)
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership

Clare Potter
Councillor Brownswood ward

Agenda Item

Action

Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions

Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (March 2019)
Sarah H proposes to approve the minutes
Alice seconds

2
Community Safety – Led by Bianca Rembrandt

Point to cover:
· Update on actions taken in recent months
· Outline of community safety action plan for whole estate
· Address current estate concerns
· CCTV update
· Introduce Neighbourhood Watch
Discussion:
· There has been a closure order at Bramfield Court due to drug dealing issues since 2017, linked to a particular individual. The order is good for 3 months since May 2020 and means that their flat and communal areas in and around the block are “closed”. The resident of the particular flat involved should have also been removed but with the pandemic it could not be done. BR wants to extend the order for a further 3 months once it’s over.
· BR has a wider plan for the estate which will take place in the next weeks/months. This plan is to tackle issues of drug dealing, prostitution, tailgating to gain access to the buildings on the estate, loitering, rough sleeping etc. She also wants to launch a neighbourhood watch. She is working on the new CCTV project and solving the issue that the fire key holes allow anyone to gain access to the blocks. She also has legal resources to tackle anti-social behaviour towards individuals at fault. She wants to keep the reputation of the estate that it is not somewhere people can come and create trouble. This will include the set-up of a Neighbourhood watch area and further details will be sent to residents on this and how to get involved.
· There are two DWOs (dedicated ward offices) patrolling the estate. Their patrol is led by reports so residents should continue to report if they want higher patrolling.
Get a timeframe for the solution to the problem of fire key misuse.

Send an update letter to all residents about the entire plan for Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime on the Estate.
BR

3
Update on Older Blocks – Led by Annette Reid

· Update on previous concerns re cleaning/repairs
· This has been solved and the concerned residents have been updated.
· Update on flood affected flats and when residents due to return
· All residents affected on the estate are now back into their home.
· ASB in Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth
· Update from BR has covered this.

4
Update on Newer Blocks – Led by Bronwen Thomas

· Update on progress with ongoing snagging issues
Broken doors:
o Door handles will be changed, Higgins is still being held responsible for some of those issues. Hackney’s maintenance contractor is looking at finding a long-term solution.
o There was also a brief discussion on the issue of automatic door closures and the ongoing issue that is for estate members. In particular, it was highlighted that the combination of poor door security with the ASB, potential crime on the estate and mail being solen are related issues which combine to lead to some residents feeling unsafe.
Fire access key misuse:
o The system will be changed; it has been agreed with the fire brigade.
Smoke vent alarms:
o Hackney’s maintenance contractor is currently looking at this (rather than Higgins resetting the faulty lights). Hackney is also trying to work out if they were built faulty or not.
Slippery courtyard:
o Higgins has agreed to clean the courtyards and to reapply the sealant. Higgins will also do individual ground floor properties; these properties will be contacted by Higgins directly.
Heating costs increase – competitive price?
o No updates but action taken by Hackney
Graffiti in lifts:
o The maintenance of the lifts is now with Hackney rather than Higgins and the team should be able to do something about this.
Possible CCTV for bike stores:
o The project has been on hold because of lock down restrictions but Hackney is still investigating the cost for this.
o Clare Potter mentions that there have been lots of large scale bike thefts in Brownswood so it may be an organised group. BR takes note of this.
o A resident mentions that the outdoor bike stores at Sandon Court are designed in a way where several locks need to be used to lock the frame and wheels.
o Questions are raised as to whether garda keys can open the cupboard where the electricity board is?
Pigeons:
o Hackney will not go ahead with their suggested plan to apply repellent gel as it is too expensive for an estate-wide solution and there was insufficient support from residents.
ASB – drugs and prostitution:
o Update already covered by BR
Mail theft:
o Bianca suggests that residents have their post delivered to a collection point when not in to receive the package.
Lifts keep breaking:
o No update at this point
Kimpton Court address did not register on emergency services system in June 2020
Dogs fouling in courtyards:
o There are no legal actions that Hackney can take against residents about owning a dog, unless it is a “dangerous dogs.” Residents can exercise their dogs on green shared places but not where there are children’s playing amenities. If anyone is aware of a dog owner not picking after their dog they can contact Hackney who will follow this up with the relevant resident.

Get a letter to be sent to residents explaining how the heating rate is competitive

Working with emergency services to solve this

BT (with Donna)

BT, Hackney

5
Timeline for phases 3&4 and Section 20 notice – Led by John Morris

· Projected timeline for refurbishment of Southside blocks and building of new blocks:
· Sign-off of the contract should happen in March 2021 after the tender process and the negotiation
· The refurbishment works should start in October 2021 and complete around Oct 2022
· Entire project including new builds should be complete by Summer 2024 (but timelines can slip)
· Section 20 notice (only relevant to leaseholders in Southside blocks). Overview of concerns raised and plan for Hackney to address concerns.
· Anyone who has raised concerns should get an individual response soon. Source will continue to support this group to liaise with Leasehold team.

6
Any other business?
Can residents have emails from Hackney rather letters?

Check with Hackney

BT

7
Dates of next meetings & close
2 September – Community focus meeting (not estate issue meeting) and AGM
Date TBC in October – ETRA
A call was made for anyone interesting in joining the TRA committee next year to get in contact with the TRA.

This meeting took place on Zoom as we were unable to meet in person due to Covid-19. Attendees were able to post comments and questions in the chat function during the meeting. Not all additional items were able to be covered in the meeting but points were kindly collated by Alice (TRA treasurer) who was hosting the Zoom meeting.
The following points have been sent to the relevant people at Hackney to address
The points raised on chat on new build areas were:

On heating/Insite – this was briefly covered above but there were some additional details on chat, specifically around: it is understood that at the last meeting Donna was going to arrange for a letter to be sent from Hackney explaining the reason for the increase in charges, what Hackney do to ensure good value for money and if we are covered by Ofgem. A specific question was raised as to whether Insite charges are above the Ofgem cap. Also, given the limited customer service provided by Insite, if a resident thinks an error has been made in the charging, who is the right person/organisation to take that up with?

There were some other smaller comments but mainly just additions to items we discussed directly at the meeting but for completeness:

thanks for courtyard being sorted
lift issues in Sandon
any other sources of advice on pigeon proofing?
implications when the bike store thefts occur – and wider security concerns
requests for service charges and noise in the courtyard to be discussed at future meetings
discussion on post issues

V2 25.07.2020 (final version to be approved at next ETRA meeting in October)

Previous information:
This meeting took place as scheduled. Minutes were taken by the secretary of the TRA committee and are currenty being reviewed by the committee. A provisional draft of the minutes will be posted here in due course and emailed to those people present. The minutes will be finalised once approved at the next ETRA meeting in October.
Previous information:
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
This meeting will be hosted on Zoom as we are still not able to meet in person due to Covid-19.
If you would like to attend please email the residents group (TRA) committee on kingscrescentn4@gmail.com and we will send you the link and details.
We are committed to working inclusively, if you have any access requirements please contact us to discuss how we can help.
Agenda:

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley (TRA)

Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (December 2019)

2
Community Safety

· Update on actions taken in recent months
· Outline of community safety action plan for whole estate
· Address current estate concerns
· CCTV update
· Introduce Neighbourhood Watch
25 mins
Bianca Rembrandt Community Safety and Principal Enforcement Officer (Hackney)

3
Update on Older Blocks

· Update on previous concerns re cleaning/repairs
· Update on flood affected flats and when residents due to return
· ASB in Bramfield, Theobalds, Datchworth

15 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer (Hackney)

4
Update on Newer Blocks

· Update on progress with ongoing snagging issues
o Broken doors
o Fire access key misuse
o Smoke vent alarms
o Slippery courtyard
o Heating costs increase – competitive price?
o Graffiti in lifts
o Possible CCTV for bike stores
o Pigeons
o ASB – drugs and prostitution
· Address current issues
o Cycle store by Kimpton broken into again in May 2020
o Mail theft
o Lifts keep breaking
o Kimpton Court address did not register on emergency services system in June 2020
o Dogs fouling in courtyards

25 mins
Bronwen Thomas Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)
and representative from New Build Team

5
Timeline for phases 3&4 and Section 20 notice

· Projected timeline for refurbishment of Southside blocks and building of new blocks
· Section 20 notice (only relevant to leaseholders in Southside blocks). Overview of concerns raised and plan for Hackney to address concerns.

10 mins
John Morris Consultant (Source Partnership)

6
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA)

7
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Emley (TRA)

**Please note that this meeting will only deal with estate related issues. We will have another resident meting on 2nd September to discuss building community on Kings Crescent, ideas for events and activities etc. Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!**
Previous infomation:

These meetings are usually attented by Annette Reid, the Estate Manager for the older parts of the estate and a representitive for the newer parts of the estate. Other departments that might be invited, depending on the concerns at the time, include cleaning team, antisocial behaviour team, community safety team, regeneration team etc.
If you have questions or concerns you would like addressed in the meeting please email or call us with the details by Monday 29th June so that we can add your item to the agenda: email: kingscrescentn4@gmail.com or call 07926568497
Please also ensure you have notified the relevant Hackney department of any estate concerns:
Repairs: RepairsRCC@hackney.gov.uk
Cleaning: cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk
Anti-social behaviour: asb.housing@hackney.gov.uk
Copy in:
neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk for issues in and around older blocks
NewBuild@hackney.gov.uk for issues in and around the newer blocks

Residents Meeting September
2020-09-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) meeting will be celebrating the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and looking for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas! KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

Meeting Minutes
(Please note these are a draft to be approved at the next meeting on 02 December 2020)
In attendance: From:

Nina Lyndon
Hackney Showroom

Carol Squires
Source Partnership

Siovhan Crombie
Resident Participation

10 residents attended and apologies recieved from 6 others

Agenda Item
Minutes
Action
Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates

· General updates from Emley: Most activities have been cancelled because of the pandemic but we still have access to the funding for them so once things open-up a bit more then we’ll have a few things ready. This includes a fun party organised by HS, the homework club
· Finances update from Alice: See table below.
· Gardening/allotments update from Tom:
He has set up a facebook group for the allotment holders and has managed to get a bit more “power” when talking to Hackney (for example he has managed to get the responsibility of filling water butts to residents). He hopes, with the gardening group, to 1. get more responsibilities regarding the management of the allotments, 2. to bring people together and 3. to have a louder voice when speaking with the council and get issues resolved faster. Getting more responsibilities would hopefully include the management of the plots that are not in used and the waiting list.
Nina mentions that there are many opportunities for activities to be organised by HS around gardening/food and there are lots of funding opportunities available.

3
Hackney Showroom Update

Nina from Hackney Showroom will give an update regarding
· Events and activities happening in their space (Unit C)
Futureheads was very successful; 42 children over two weeks attended and really bonded.
Kings Feast is still on the shelf, but we need to decide a date (funded from community budget last financial year but postponed due to Covid).
Disco Loco, dancing with parents and toddlers; HS is hoping for this to happen every week, one morning.
HS has been awarded a grant to run three different projects. One is actor training for 18-25-year olds. One is a youth theatre club for 14-18-year olds. And the final one is for a more generic drop-in youth club, which will include some art activities, targeted age to be confirmed.
· Progress on building work to transform the space:
The team (HS, TRA + Hackney) is hoping to go to tender this week. Works should take 3-4 weeks and should happen in October. Works include creating two studio spaces with acoustic separation between them and a small office for HS.

4
Community Survey results

Source Partnership (ITLA) have been running a survey to get feedback from residents about the types of activities and events they would like to see happening on Kings Crescent. Update from Carol:
66 responses
48 residents have children <5 years old
Further 15 have children >5 years old
Activities that people would like to see run (and are not already): language classes, general fitness, martial arts, youth clubs, boys club.
40% of residents are willing up to pay up to £5 for these activities
Issues raised by residents: lack of community cohesion, lack of activities for children, ASB.
36% of residents think that the TRA should always give support with issues with the council.
33% of residents think that the TRA should never give support with issues with the council.
Carol mentions that they would like to restart the Coffee Morning with the older population, but that Hackney is slow with re-opening the community centre. Nina offers to hold those mornings in Unit C.

5
Open Conversation

The homework club could start in November with small groups. There is funding available for once a week for a year but maybe it could run twice a week for six months. There are insurance forms to be filled to cover the fact that the TRA will oversee children during the homework club (without parents present).
Maire proposes to use the car park money for soil for the planters (around £50), Emley seconds. Sarah H. will apply for funding from Hackney to get that money reimbursed.

SH

6
Dates of next meetings & close
Next ETRA: 7 October
Next residents meeting: early December

Summary of KCTRA Income & Outgoings

Key Income

item
Amount (£)
Ring-fenced?
month/year

Spacehive (Excl GLA)
5,711
YES
Jun-20

Homework Club Grant
4,837
YES
Jun-20

Car Park Money
500
NO
Aug-20

Hackney (RP team) Contribution to Unit C outfit
1,000
YES
Aug-20

Key Outgoings

item
Amount (£)
Specific Funding received?
month/year

Reimbursement of board games (flood)
58
YES
Jul-20

Printing estate wide flyers (Aug 20)
120
YES – to be submitted
TBC

Current bank balance (£):
12,173

as at:
1st Sept 2020

NB: smaller sums are excluded for clarity. Further details available upon request

these are unaudited amounts, full audited accounts will be available at each AGM

Prepared by:
Alice H, KCTRA Treasurer

for meeting:
2nd September 2020

Previous information:
Community Meeting Agenda
Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
25 mins

· General updates: Emley
· Finances update: Alice
· Gardening/allotments update: Tom

TRA Committee

3
Hackney Showroom Update
15 mins

Nina from Hackney Showroom will give an update regarding
· Events and activities happening in their space (Unit C)
· Progress on building work to transform the space

Hackney Showroom

4
Community Survey results
10 mins

Source Partnership (ITLA) have been running a survey to get feedback from residents about the types of activities and events they would like to see happening on Kings Crescent. Carol will give an update of the results so far. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YKTBZW6

Source Partnership

5
Open Conversation
30 mins

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent

Residents

6
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Emley

Additional information:

Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting
This was planned to be our AGM but we have been advised by Hackney to postpone this formality until after Covid-19 when we are able to meet safely in person, so this will happen in 2021
Please note that this meeting is focused on community building. The next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is on 7th October 2020
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4

Previous information:
This was supposed to be our ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) where we would be electing the new Tenants & Residents Association Committee, however Hackney have advised us to postpone this formal element until after Coronavirus when it is safe to meet again in a large group. The current committee will continue in post until that time.
Let us know if you would like to join the committee or want more information about getting involved with anything that is happening on Kings Crescent.
This meeting will be hosted online via Zoom (due to Covid-19 restrictions).
Please email the TRA committee for the zoom link if you’d like to join.The agenda will be available here 1 week before the meeting.

Also please email or call the committee by Wednesday 19th August with any items you would like added to the agenda .
We are committed to working inclusively, if you have any access requirements please contact us to discuss how we can help.
To contact the Tenants & Residents Association Committee:
Email: kingscrescentn4@gmail.com Phone: 07926568497

September Steering Group Meeting
2020-09-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 28th September 2020 via
Google Meet
(Resident’s names removed for privacy on web version)

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
EP (Resident Bramfield Court)
PD ( ResidentDatchworth Court)

JWM (Resident Theobalds Ct)
JG (Resident Theobalds Court)
KH (Resident Wallington Court)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris

LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from residents PS, HS, AF, TD.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 29th January 2020 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate.

2.2

BB noted that the management of the new blocks is now with Annette Reid and Housing Management, having transferred from the New Build Team.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1

Programme update
RG gave feedback.

Bids from the Expression of Interest stage have been received and are being evaluated. Key elements of this include contractor’s capability and experience of working at this scale and type of project. LBH asked for examples of their track record and ability to work closely with residents, Council members and officers. Evaluation should be completed by the end of this week. The tender period will run for at least 14 weeks to approx. 14th December (there are more than 1,000 drawings and a huge amount of information for bidding contractors to consider). They will want to visit KC, probably in mid November, Covid restrictions allowing.

3.2

Tender evaluation and site visits
There are some key areas in the qualitative section of the bids that a small evaluation panel from the RSG can look at once tenders are in. These include: site logistics, how disruption will be minimised, how parking can be arranged and how the contractor proposes to consult with and involve residents. 4 or 5 residents would be ideal, with a mix of tenures and areas of the estate represented. Source will identify training needs and prepare members. The evaluation exercise with residents is currently scheduled for January 2021.

EP said she would be happy to be involved but asked whether there would be an opportunity for wider groups. BB hoped that by getting back to 6 weekly RSG meetings there would be the opportunity to get regular feedback.

CP emphasised that engagement with residents is crucial; residents know how disruptive this is going to be so the right approach from the contractor is key. It would be good to get someone from Weston Court involved as the works to the podium and the creation of the commercial units below will be very disruptive, like the garage conversions in phase 1.

CS suggested that Source would ask other residents what would concern them so the evaluation panel can look out for whether bidding contractors deal with these, e.g. approach to working in people’s homes which was an issue in phase 1.

JWM, who had just joined the meeting, agreed to be part of the evaluation panel, depending on timing of meetings so that she can fit it around her work.

It was suggested that PA from Weston Court was asked to be part of the group. KH said he’d be able to be involved as a resident from the northside blocks as long as meetings were out of work hours.

(Post-meeting note, JG, who had to leave part of the meeting to attend to childcare issues also indicated her willingness to be on the panel if meetings etc. fitted in with work and family commitments).

Therefore, the resident evaluation panel would consist of EP, JWM, KH, PA and JG.

EP asked if relevant sections of the tender documents would be sent round in advance. RG would make sure there is plenty of time for the panel to read submissions and consider their views before convening to discuss and moderate scores. Hopefully, this would only take one meeting.

Site visits, if possible, will be organised through Source. This could include to the tendering contractors’ other schemes on site as well as comparable schemes from a design aspect in Hackney.

3.3

Materials workshop
RG noted that it has been a long time since the last design workshop (Dec 2018) so it is proposed to hold a display/workshop to show proposed materials and landscaping proposals again. But, due to Covid restrictions, this would be co-ordinated and controlled by Source at the Community Centre. Samples and drawings would be kept at the CC for a few weeks from 26th October and Source would arrange individuals or small groups to be able to visit and have questions answered. Any queries that need to be dealt with by the design team would be forwarded to them. EP endorsed this as some aspects of the design had changed since the last public event and up to now, residents have had little chance to take time to look at (and feel) some of the materials that will be used.

CP asked if it will be possible to make appointments. CS – Source will produce a flier and control visits to 4 at a time. If the weather is good, the displays could be set up outside the CC and more people, potentially, could attend. JWM offered the use of a gazebo if needed.

4.0
Unit C

4.1

RG gave an overview of the works proposed: construction of a partition to divide the space, related ventilation, new flooring, storage and signage. Funding is a mixture of GLA funds, crowdfunding and from LBH. There have been several productive discussions between LBH, the TRA and Hackney Showroom. HS are committed to working in partnership with residents and arrangements for this will be encapsulated in the lease.

The process and the contract documentation will be overseen by LBH outsourced Contract Managers. 3 contractors have expressed an interest in tendering. Tenders will be evaluated 80% on price, 20% quality. Tender period will run from 5th October for 4 weeks. Evaluation early November, with a possible period to negotiate price then 2 weeks site mobilisation. Building Control will need to sign this off, so early December earliest possible start on site. 4 weeks building period followed by another Building Control sign off may mean completion February or early March. GLA need timescales and once tenders are back, LBH should be clearer on this.

5.0
TRA update

5.1

EP gave report back. A newsletter went out over the summer. Meetings now alternate between ETRA meetings that deal with estate and housing management issues and open TRA meetings that discuss community and social activities. The next ETRA meeting is on 7th October. A Neighbourhood Watch scheme has started on the estate and a representative from the LBH co-ordination team will attend next week’s meeting.

6.0
Leaseholder recharge proposals, S20 process

6.1

RG reported that all respondents to the S20 notice will have now received an individual reply. The Leasehold team propose running some online surgeries in mid November. Before that, a refreshed FAQ sheet will be circulated, dealing with queries that Source picked up in June and July. A ‘broad brush’ estimate of the full cost of the works will also be sent out in advance of the stages 2 and 3 S20 notices. These will be calculated to give individual leaseholders an idea of what the total cost might be but these will be very indicative figures.

EP asked how much room there might be to challenge the arrangements. RG emphasised that the approach to recharges is a policy decision contained in a Cabinet report from February and as such, this is not up for discussion. EP made the point that there was no consultation on the proposal to taper the potential pay back over 5 years; no resident knew what was going to be put forward so there was no chance to respond when it may have been possible to contest the policy approach. RG indicated that there had been lots of discussion internally up to Director level and the rationale for the approach was clearly set out in the Cabinet report.

EP added that in terms of the refurbishment proposals, if leaseholders had known earlier what the possible cost was going to be, they could have commented on the elements of the works. RG noted that unfortunately there are some decisions that cannot be decided by residents.

CP stressed that her and Cllr Bell lobbied hard for the £10k cap to put in place for phase 3&4 but appreciated that it’s not a blanket cap. The intention is to be as fair as possible within financial constraints.

7.0
Phase 1 & 2 update

7.1

RG reported on the remaining issues still being dealt with by Bronwen:
i) the paving work is complete and arrangements are in place to monitor these areas to ensure they are kept clean. Sealant was incorrectly applied in wet weather which caused the failure.
ii) CCTV in bike stores has been agreed and is being priced.
iii) an independent consultant has been engaged to investigate the cause of the AOV problem. Thanks to KH for his ongoing communication on this issue. KH asked why this has only happened in Wallington Court. RG replied that finding this out is why an independent consultant has been commissioned. EP thought there had been similar problems in Radwell Court.
iv) main front doors now strengthened and LBH contractors are now maintaining them. BB asked to whom complaints should be directed if there are further issues with the doors. RG – as this will be a repair from now on, it should be Annette Reid. EP asked if doors keep failing, would cost of repairs be a service charge issue? RG – potentially, yes. Up to now Higgins have been doing repairs as a latent defect.

8.0
Update from ITLA

8.1

CS reported that Source’s work has mostly been phone support and work on the S20 issues. Publicity will go out soon to let residents know that we will be available, by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays in the CC office.

BB added that him and CP are hoping to start Councillor surgeries again in the Community Centre, starting on Friday with a joint surgery and, initially once a month to start with.

9.0
Any urgent business

9.1

None

10.0
Dates of next meetings

10.1

9th November at 7.00 via Google Meet (with the draft leaseholder FAQs on the agenda)

14th December at 7.00 via Google Meet (with update on the tendering process on the agenda)

The meeting ended at 8.00.

ETRA meeting October
2020-10-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in October, January, April and July
MINUTES:
ETRA meeting 07 October 2020 7.00-9.00pm
On Zoom only, due to Covid-19 restrictions
*These minutes are a final draft to be approved at the next meeting in January*
Chair of meeting: Emley Pine

Present:
15 Residents of Kings Crescent Estate:

(names removed in web version)

In attendance:
Deborah Noel
ASB Manager for the North of Hackney (Hackney)

Cheryl Spruce
Neighbourhood Watch

Annette Reid
Housing Officer (Hackney)

Andrea Scott
Area Housing Manager Stoke Newington Area (Hackney)

Billy Dunne
Cleaner Estate Team (Hackney)

Bronwen Thomas (BT)
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

John Lonergan
New Build Team (Hackney)

John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership

Agenda Item
Action

Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions

Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (July 2020)
Alice proposes to approve the minutes from the last ETRA meeting.
Bronwen seconds. No objections were raised.

2
Community Safety

For the update from Bianca Rembrandt, refer to the Kings Crescent Estate’s website: https:/2020/10/06/community-safety-update/

Deborah explain how to report to the ASB Team:
If residents are victim of ASB, the first point of contact is the ASB Team (except for the police if this is regarding a crime).
The ABS Hotline number is 020 8356 3310 and email is abs.housing@hackney.gov.uk
This is true even if the ASB is caused by non-residents.
The ASB team does not necessarily involve the police so residents should be comfortable to report issues caused by people with obvious mental health issues where the involvement of the police is not desirable.
When reporting, residents can request to be anonymous which means they will not be recontacted by the ASB Team afterwards. Anonymous or not, all reports are confidential.
There is now a Neighbourhood’s Watch on the estate with over 30 members. Cheryl explains that by raising awareness, crime decreases. If anyone wants to contact Cheryl, use: cheryl.spruce@ourwatch.org.uk.
AH asked if an update could be given following the closure order and Deborah confirmed that updates couldn’t be given on specific actions but did say that the closure order is in place until November 2020.

3
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

Andrea introduces herself. She has worked with Hackney for 15 years and knows the estate very well. She wants the transition from New Build to the Housing Team to go smoothly.
Issues regarding what is covered by Higgins (original defects) are still dealt with by the New Build team but everything else is dealt with by the normal Hackney’s services.
The Housing Team is now in charge of the new development, since the end of July 2020. Annette does a monthly inspection of the estate for fire hazard, slip and trip hazard etc. (not cleaning inspection). This means Annette Reid is the Housing Officer covering both North and South sides of the estate.

Update on courtyard.
Dog nuisance: There is a Hackney-wide public consultation on what the “pet policy” should be. Everyone can access it online: www.consultation.hackney.gov.uk
The rules on pets are as in the rules and regulations, these and the form to register a pet can be found : https://hackney.gov.uk/kings-crescent-estate
Noise: The swing will not be removed unless it is dangerous. Noise is not a reason to remove play equipment.

It was noted that the ongoing noise in the courtyard has continued to be an issue for some residents. There was some discussion on this across both residents and workers from Hackney, recognising that it is a difficult issue. It was noted that play equipment is unlikely to be removed unless dangerous and that Hackney is moving away having signs (“no ball games”) across estates. It was also noted that when more activities are running in the Unit C space, it is hoped that there will be less disruption from the children.

Council agreed to look at noise dampening measures such as trees. It was raised by a resident that the ‘football goal’ shaped structure encourages children to play ball games when this was not the intended use

Andrea also asked for Jill’s perspective on the noise of children playing & Jill confirmed this had not seemed a particular issue over the past summer in the south side of the estate near where Jill is based.

Review noise reduction options e.g. trees in courtyard and review ‘football goal’

Contact the resident engagement team and ask them to contact the TRA with regards to the courtyard concerns and youth engagement

AR

4
Cleaning Issues

Billy has gone through the cleaning complaints and most of them have been for bags on the floor in the bin stores. Billy needs more complaints if residents want him to deal with the issues.
Email: cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk and within 24 hours the problem should be solved.
Billy explains that fingerprints in doors cannot be cleaned all day so residents should not expect these to disappear as quick as they appear.
Put a list of what the cleaners do on the notice board.

Arranging for signage to be placed inside the refuge storage areas (bin areas) in Kimpton Court reminding residents to dispose of their waste correctly. For example household waste and recycling should be disposed of appropriately.
AR

AR

5
Update on Newer Blocks

o Broken doors
Bronwen explains that all doors had new door closers installed. A contractor has done a full report of all doors and the New Build team will try to get Higgins to fix the issues highlighted in the report.
It was noted that there is a still an ongoing issue, particularly for Kimpton Court. This is an issue Bronwen is aware of and a resolution is being progressed.
o Fire access key misuse
Garda boxes will be put over the fire access key holes. These have been ordered from the supplier and will be installed once they arrive.
o Smoke vent alarms
Higgins has agreed to get the original installer to come back and check those alarms. The smoke vents do work properly, it is just the alarm that is faulty. Hackney is trying to get a third party to get a full review of these alarms.
o Slippery courtyard
The sealant has been reapplied on the courtyard paving and Hackney will monitor the situation in the next few years.
o Heating costs increase – competitive price?
John Lonergan says the price of the heating is the price of the heating and there is nothing he can do about it. He is reminded that Hackney was supposed to send a letter to residents to explain how the cost is decided and how Hackney makes sure the prices are competitive. This

letter should also clarify if residents are paying twice for maintenance through service charges and again through the heating charges.
Alice highlighted that this (a letter to all residents confirming how Hackney have determined the Insite charges are value for money) has been an outstanding action for some time and Annette/John L confirmed this would be reviewed by the New Build Team ahead of the next meeting.
Residents have asked for a representative from the Energy Team to attend the next meeting or at least provide an update on the heating costs.

o Graffiti in lifts

Graffiti cannot be removed; the mirrors will need to be replaced.
o Possible CCTV for bike stores
A positive outcome in that new buildings in Hackney will have CCTV in bike stores. They are still deciding if it is possible to install in the existing bike stores.
o Kimpton Court address did not register on emergency services system in June 2020
Bronwen confirmed that previously all blocks have been confirmed as registered with the emergency services, but confirmed that given this latest update, this will be checked again.
o Issue of broken window 11th floor Kimpton and other window issues
A contractor is working on this.
o Balcony doors… a resident has raised (ahead of this meeting) that their understanding is that building regulations show that the doors ought to be closable from the outside, plus there have been several ongoing issues with broken balcony doors.
o This was a new issue from the perspective of the New Build Team but Bronwen noted the additional information was helpful & would be used to follow-up further with Higgins and confirm what (if anything) will be done.
This has been raised with Higgins. Details are to come.
o bike stores / bin stores… these have been either in a state of not locking (bikes) or not opening (bins) recently
A contractor is working on this and dealt as part of the original defect.
o Lifts continuing to break in Sandon, previous issue in Kimpton and recent issues started in Radwell
Dealt with as part of the original defect, New Build team is trying to have Higgins solve the issue.
o Ongoing theft of parcels from lobby
No update, refer to Bianca Rembrandt’s update on Kings Crescent Estate. This was not explicitly discussed in the meeting due to limited time.
o Mismatched paint used in communal areas
Hackney is working on trying to get this sorted.
Ask the energy team to produce this letter and send to all residents.
Bronwen to continue to monitor issues and find permanent resolutions
JL & New Build team
BT

5
Update from Source Partnership (SP)

SP is trying to get back into the Vince Murrain community centre by appointment and is planning on taking appointment on Mondays and Thursdays between 1-4pm.
From 26 Oct 20 SP will have samples of materials proposed for the new buildings which will be stored in the Vince Murrain community centre for residents to come and see.
If anyone wants to get in touch with SP, the Residents Group can link people up (Email address in footer).
The residents steering group has restarted. The 9 Nov 20 and 14 Dec 20 are the next scheduled meetings. SP would like to have more council tenants to be part of the group.
Update on the refurbishment Section 20 notices to Leaseholders in Southside blocks. Ongoing but SP are supporting Leaseholders.

6
Any other business?

Alice thanked the various representatives for attending and noted that it is helpful to have a forum to discuss & raise awareness of such issues.

7
Dates of next meetings & close
Community focused residents meeting December 2020
Next ETRA January 2021 (specific dates will be announced soon)

We will have another resident focused meeting in December 2020 to discuss building community on Kings Crescent, ideas for events and activities etc. Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!

Previous information:
AGENDA
On Zoom only due to Covid-19 restrictions
The zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all who requested it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley (TRA)

Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (July 2020)

2
Community Safety

· Update on further actions taken in recent months (written handover from Bianca sent prior to the meeting)
· Address current estate concerns
· Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Update

15 mins
Deborah Noel (ASB team)

Cheryl Spruce (NHW)

3
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

· Handover of newer blocks from New Build to Housing team
· Courtyard concerns
· Play Street – bollards missing, 3 no entry signs promised but never delivered
15 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer
Andrea Scott (Hackney)

4
Cleaning Issues

· Recent complaints about lack of/poor quality cleaning in both new and older blocks

10 mins
Billy Dunne (Cleaner Estate Team)

5
Update on Newer Blocks

· Update on progress with ongoing snagging issues
o Broken doors
o Fire access key misuse
o Smoke vent alarms
o Slippery courtyard
o Heating costs increase – competitive price?
o Graffiti in lifts
o Possible CCTV for bike stores
o Kimpton Court address did not register on emergency services system in June 2020

· Address current issues
o Issue of broken window 11th floor Kimpton and other window issues
o balcony doors… building regulations show that the doors ought to be closable from the outside
o bike stores / bin stores… these have been either in a state of not locking (bikes) or not opening (bins) recently
o Lifts continuing to break in Sandon, previous issue in Kimpton and recent issues started in Radwell
o Ongoing theft of parcels from lobby
o Mismatched paint used in communal areas

25 mins
Bronwen Thomas Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)
and John Lonergan New Build Team

5
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol
10 mins
Source Partnership

6
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA)

7
Dates of next meetings & close
Community focused residents meeting December 2020
Next ETRA January 2021
5 mins
Emley (TRA)

The zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all who requested it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)

**Please note that this meeting will only deal with estate related issues**
We will have another resident focused meeting in December 2020 to discuss building community on Kings Crescent, ideas for events and activities etc. Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!

Previous information:
This meeting will be hosted on Zoom if we are still not able to meet in person due to Covid-19, we will decide closer to the time. If you would like to attend please email the residents group (TRA) committee on kingscrescentn4@gmail.com and we will send you the link and agenda 1 week before the meeting. We are committed to working inclusively, if you have any access requirements please contact us to discuss how we can help.
These meetings are usually attented by Annette Reid, the Estate Manager for the older parts of the estate and a representitive for the newer parts of the estate. Other departments that might be invited, depending on the concerns at the time, include cleaning team, antisocial behaviour team, community safety team, regeneration team, leasehold team etc.
If you have questions or concerns you would like addressed in the meeting please email or call us with the details by Wednesday 23rd September so that we can add your item to the agenda: email: kingscrescentn4@gmail.com or call 07926568497
Please also ensure you have notified the relevant Hackney department of any estate concerns:
Repairs: RepairsRCC@hackney.gov.uk
Cleaning: cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk
Anti-social behaviour: asb.housing@hackney.gov.uk
Leaseholder Service Charges: service.charges@hackney.gov.uk
Copy in:
neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk for issues in and around older blocks
NewBuild@hackney.gov.uk for issues in and around the newer blocks

November Steering Group Meeting
2020-11-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Minutes
Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 9th November 2020 via
Google Meet

Residents Present:
(EP) (Bramfield Court)
(PD) (Datchworth Court)
(ES) (Radwell Court)
TD (Theobalds Court)

JWM (Theobalds Court)
(JG) (Theobalds Court)
(AA) (Barley Court)
(NC) (Kimpton Court)
HC (Sandon Court)
(PA) Weston Court)
(NJ) (Sandon Court)

In Attendance:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)

LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

No apologies were received.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 28th September 2020 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate.

2.2

CP noted that her and Cllr Bell have not been able to restart surgeries due to lockdown but they are available for residents via Members’ Services or direct contact.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1

Programme update
RG gave feedback.
Shortlisted contractors are currently working through the tender documentation and RG and colleagues are fielding questions from them. Residents may have seen people walking round the estate from the bidding contractors but there should have been no knocking on doors. LBH have set aside times for escorted site visits between 7th and 12th Dec. One tenderer has asked to see the inside of a southside flat. RG is arranging this via Source. Anyone willing to allow a contractor to visit please contact CS or JM. NB, the inspection will be purely visual.

The deadline for tender returns is now 25/1/21. Evaluation will be between 25/1/21 and 19/2/21. If the tender price of the successful contractor is beyond the LBH budget or there are other elements that need to be clarified, a 9 week period for negotiation has been set aside. Best and final offer will be put to LBH Cabinet early summer 2021 with planned contract signing July. Mobilisation and satisfying some planning conditions will follow with start on site targeted currently for 23/11/21.

3.2

Tender evaluation and site visits
During the evaluation period resident involvement in site visits to bidders’ other sites and evaluation of some of the qualitative sections of the brief will take place. These will include approaches to site logistics, respite facilities, road closures, parking arrangements and community engagement. CP noted that a resident evaluation panel was agreed last time: Emley, Jill, Karsten, Peter Akhurst and Jo. Possible Peter D. if a Datchworth resident was required. BB suggested paring down the numbers nearer the time if needed.

3.3

Materials workshop
The materials workshop had to be put on hold with the new lockdown. There will now be a newsletter from LBH with a summary of the design information and contact for queries.

3.4

Follow up questions
AA asked how many shortlisted contractors there are.
RG – 3.
AA also asked for clarification on the materials workshop.
RG explained that the materials that would have been on display were examples of those specified already that were part of the planning application. The only forseen reason these might be changed is if there is an issue with supply.
AA – will there be one principal contractor?
RG – yes, with sub contractors for various aspects of the works.
NC asked about possible completion dates for the whole scheme.
RG – approx. 3 years, so possibly January 2025, although refurbishment will be finished first

4.0
Leaseholder recharge proposals and FAQs

4.1

The latest draft of the FAQ document from LBH Leasehold team was circulated on 6th Nov. BB stated that the purpose of this being an agenda item was to make sure that the arrangements are explained as properly and clearly as possible.
NJ sought confirmation that this only applies to southside leaseholders.
Response – yes.
EP asked how long it took to invoice the northside leaseholders given that LBH say final invoices are issued within 18 months of completion of works.
RG – Leasehold Team should really deal with this but it can be emphasised that individual, interim invoices will be sent out within 12 weeks of start on site which is when leaseholders should start to pay.
EP asked about the situation if she wanted to sell her flat, e.g. in early 2021, i.e. after 28th May 2020 but before works start.
RG – any seller’s enquiry would pick up the existence of the S20 notice and if there was no formal estimate of the full costs to the existing owner, it would come down to a negotiation with the purchaser.
JG – if it’s right that the cap cannot be passed onto an incoming purchaser, this isn’t consistent with the aim to encourage a stable community at Kings Crescent. She felt it unfair to backdate the rule to this May. What is the justification for this?
RG – Hackney wished to recognise the time that existing residents have spent waiting for the works to get underway, so the cap arrangement was implemented.
JG – we now have no options if we wish to move.
RG – future purchasers would benefit from the added value of the refurbishment, so the flats should hold their value.
JG expressed disappointment at the approach, having up to now felt positive about the RSG.
RG replied that the arrangements took a lot of internal discussion within Hackney with a view to coming up with something that was fair. The rationale was set out in the Cabinet report.
EP asked if someone was selling, who is Hackney invoicing?
RG – there would be a charge on the property and this would be disclosed at the point of the sale process. The exact cost will be clear at the time the interim invoice is issued.
EP – so the understanding would be that the invoice goes to whoever is in ownership at that time?
JG asked if this would be the first time leaseholders would know the exact full cost.
RG replied that the 2nd stage S20 notice which is issued after the successful tender has been accepted would contain the first, personalised notification of the recharge cost to each owner.
BB emphasised that the cap is a huge benefit to those who get it but it comes at a significant cost to the overall scheme.
EP raised the issue of the 2011 cap that apparently included major repairs to the southside blocks. This would mean that roofs and windows already paid for from that tranche of works should count towards the cap.
RG clarified that these were paid for from a specific source of funding and a line was drawn under the costs. We are starting again to reflect a new set of circumstances.

PD asked if higher costs due to contractual variations that are not the contractor’s fault will be included in the cap.
RG confirmed that the £10k cap remains in place for anyone qualifying.
PD – so leaseholders are also protected against something that is not the client’s responsibility?
RG – yes.
PA asked if works that were carried out at the time of the Leaseholder Charter (when the £10k cap was first introduced) would be done again. We have already paid for some of the works.
RG suggested bringing individual circumstances up in a surgery meeting when they are arranged. RG also apologised for the delivery of the notice concerning podium works which was a mistake.
CP asked if there was a date yet for the surgeries to take place.
RG – at the moment they are planned for w/c 7th December.
CP added that concerns can still be raised with councillors or Source.

5.0
Unit C update

5.1

RG reported that unfortunately, no tenders were received for the fit out work. It is likely that the complexity and amount of tender documentation was too great for the 3 companies invited to tender.

Two more contractors have been identified and the retender period will now close on 10th December with a possible start on site date early in January. The works themselves should not take long but the process of getting sign off from Building Control will take some weeks, so completion may be in March 2021. RG expressed confidence that there will be tenders returned this time, including possibly from two new contractors.

6.0
Phase 1 & 2 remaining items

6.1

BB did not want to spend time in this meeting covering these issues again; they are being worked through within the Council and at ETRA meetings.
EP asked if lessons had been learnt from the experience of many defects being reported directly to Higgins without LBH knowing.
RG explained that the arms length arrangement with Higgins will not be repeated. Hackney will be marketing the open market sale homes themselves with a new in house team.
LBH have only recently got full details of the defects from Higgins and these are being reviewed. Another post-occupancy survey will be carried out this winter and there will be time to transfer these lessons learnt to phases 3 & 4.
ES commented that the arrangement whereby defects were reported directly to the contractor was unconventional; it should have been to the Employer’s Agent/Client side.
BB stressed that it is essential that this does not happen again.

RG advised that this is the understood procedure but that the process is often short cut. RG added that dealing with defects management is one of the questions to be evaluated in the current tender.

7.0
TRA update

7.1

EP gave an update. Homework Club started and has continued since the current lockdown with some one to one sessions and some done via Zoom.
The next general TRA meeting is on 2nd December.
There is still a significant sum available in the Community Development pot, so the TRA would welcome ideas on how this could be spent.
NJ expressed a huge thanks to Emley for her hard work and commitment, which was endorsed by all.

8.0
Update from ITLA

8.1

CS reported that it has been frustrating to almost be in a position to resume face to face activities and then have another lockdown imposed. Source have been supporting leaseholders and working with LBH on the FAQs and proposed surgeries.

9.0
Any urgent business

9.1

None

10.0
Date of next meetings

10.1

14th December at 7.00 via Google Meet

Previous information:
Kings Crescent Residents Steering Group Agenda
Meeting to be held on
Monday 9th November starting at 7.00pm
(via Google)

Agenda item
Lead

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Bell (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 28th September 2020 and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Bell (Chair)

3
Phase 3 & 4

(a) Programme update
(b) Tender evaluation, site visits
(c) Materials workshop

Ron (LBH)

4
Leaseholder recharge proposals. Further FAQs.

Ron (LBH)

5
Unit C update

Ron (LBH)

6

Phase 1 & 2 remaining items
Ron (LBH)

7
TRA update

Emley (TRA Chair)

8
Update from ITLA

Source

9
Any urgent business

Cllr Bell (Chair)

10
Date of next meeting

Cllr Bell (Chair)

December Residents Meeting
2020-12-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) meeting will be celebrating the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and looking for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!

Community Meeting Agenda
Wednesday 02 December 2020 7pm-8.30pm
This meeting will be held online via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions

Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Approve minutes from September meeting
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
15 mins

· General updates: Emley
· Gardening/allotments update: Tom

TRA Committee

3
Hackney Showroom Update
15 mins

Sam from Hackney Showroom will give an update regarding
· Events and activities happening in their space (Unit C)
· Progress on building work to transform the space

Hackney Showroom

4
Source Partnership Update
10 mins

· John update on Source activities recently and latest plans for phases 3&4

Source Partnership

5
Funding Available
5 mins

· Community Development Fund
· Contractors phase 3&4
· Covid-related funding

Emley &
Siovhan

6
Open Conversation
35 mins

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.

Residents

7
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close
5 mins
Emley

Additional information:

Please note that this meeting is focused on community building. The next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is in January 2021 (date to be confirmed)
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4

Previous information:
Agenda will be published here a week before the meeting.
If you have any items to add to the agenda please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com before Monday 23rd November, thanks.
Minutes of the meeting will be posted here when they are available after the meeting.

Brownswood police update
2020-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
This is an opportunity to hear about progress in dealing with crime in the Brownswood Ward, plus to provide input to setting priorities for the coming month (e.g. ASBO, burglary, domestic violence, drugs, prostitution, sexual harassment, theft, etc … )
If you wish to attend meetings, but are not on the Met’s mailing list, please email them at
SNTGD-Brownswood@met.police.uk
See police report June to Dec here

December Steering Group Meeting
2020-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
Minutes

In Attendance:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris

9 resident RSG members

LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from JWM and NC.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 9th November 2020 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1

Programme update -RG

The three bidding contractors were shown round the estate on 8th Dec. Particular thanks to Menekse for allowing them into her flat. It’s likely that there will be another chance for them to visit the boiler room and the underground car park in the new year. All contractors were very positive and one said they had visited the estate 12 times. Therefore LBH are expecting very thorough submissions. LBH hope to arrange visits to tenderer’s schemes In late Jan/early Feb. WO will co-ordinate RSG involvement in the evaluation during February.

The tender period has been extended by 2 weeks in order to give the bidders time to put together a fully compliant bid; the LBH tender portal experienced problems with the amount of information uploaded onto it. Therefore, return date for tenders is now 8/2/21. RG confirmed that he will post the Social Value statement to the portal 15/12.

3.2

Materials workshop

Unfortunately the planned workshop to demonstrate some of the materials specified was not able to take place because of the latest lockdown in November. A newsletter from LBH will now go out in January giving details again of the phase 3 & 4 proposals. RG apologised for the delay.

3.3

Follow up questions

JG asked if there was a process for residents not on the RSG to see the tenders. RG explained that only the sub group of residents who volunteered to evaluate some of the qualitative elements would be able to see the relevant sections of the documents and they would be required to sign confidentiality agreements.
EP – a lot of people may not have seen the design images. Will all residents get the newsletter? RG – yes.
EP also asked if there will be any opportunity for changing materials or colours at this stage. RG explained that the only way changes to these items might now be made would be if the budget did not allow for a particular specification. ES added that the planning consultation would have been the time when residents could have influenced changes.

4.0
Leaseholder recharge proposals and FAQs

4.1

RG reported on the leaseholder surgeries that were held on 10th December. 7 appointments were made and very strong views were expressed, particularly from those who wished to sell now. RG stressed the LBH regeneration strategy of trying to achieve parity between existing and new build residents and the Council’s desire to specify high quality materials that have a higher capital cost now but which will have a lower long term maintenance cost. The surgeries confirmed the Council’s repayment options. In response to one leaseholder raising the option of the Council buying their flat back, RG made further enquiries with colleagues. LBH does have a programme of buy backs and a report will go to Cabinet in January to request approval of a budget for this for 2021/22. It ought to be possible to offer this option to some KC leaseholders, subject to valuations. A Council valuer could start to make appointments as early as Jan 2021. The Council will be writing to all leaseholders about this response to the surgeries. This approach would also benefit the Council by releasing properties that could be relet to secure tenants.

BB invited comments and questions but emphasised the need to stick to the overall policy impact and not to bring up personal concerns.

JG asked for clarification of the buy back option. RG replied that it is a borough-wide fund and will be subject to Cabinet approval in January.

JG recorded the general feeling of shock amongst leaseholders at the level of possible recharges and noted that a buy back policy might well help in particular non-resident owners. RG emphasised that it will be a specified pot of funding so will not be a limitless fund.

CS noted that there may well be many other leaseholders in addition to the 7 who came to the surgeries who would benefit from this and who also may have concerns, so it will be important to set a clear priority for applicants. RG acknowledged that prioritising will be a challenge and that LBH will need to establish the rules before formally offering the option. BB added that KC will be in competition with the rest of the borough for this funding.

NJ asked if a resident who is a tenant of an absentee owner would have to leave if the flat was bought back. RG – yes but they could apply for social rent housing, although the resulting vacant flat would be allocated to a family in priority need of accommodation.

EP asked if this was a short term solution. RG replied that it could be a longer term programme of buy backs, subject to funding availability.

ES asked if a new secure tenant would be able to buy the flat. RG to check but probably, yes, subject to standard criteria for length of residency etc. CP pointed out that discounts for RTB are not as generous as they used to be so there is less incentive to exercise RTB.

NJ noted the possible impact this will have on community cohesion as some people are forced to leave. CP noted that numbers involved will be quite small and it could be that non-residents are prioritised.

JG thought this would be positive for non-resident leaseholders faced with a potential £80k bill. BB’s view is that non-resident owners should pay in full and they should not be the priority for any very limited funding for buybacks.

CP made the point that values of properties will increase as a result of the refurbishment works.

JG asked that the whole issue of recharges is approached sensitively as it is an emotive subject for many.

EP noted that most owners are ‘ordinary’ people (not rich landlords) and that the bill and the arrangements were sprung on them. RG reminded the meeting of the sliding scale of charging and that there are two further stages of consultation next year as part of the S20 process.

EP queried whether this was in fact a consultation. RG replied that LBH had made this overall estimate of possible recharge levels in response to requests from the first stage of the S20 process, rather than waiting for stages 2 and 3 when estimates are usually produced for the first time.

EP asked what the ongoing consultation can achieve. For instance, can some of the design proposals be amended to save some money? RG repeated that the regen. will benefit the estate and its residents and add value to properties. There will be a positive impact on the external appearance and the public realm will improve. EP – some dispute this.

RG challenged this assumption and asked if EP thought that values would decrease. EP thought that it was difficult to argue that values would increase by £80k. She re-emphasised the request that conversations around the size of the bill should be dealt with sensitively. RG reminded the meeting of the repayment options and that the LBH Leasehold Team can consider genuine financial hardship on individual cases.

KH asked what the £80k represents as a proportion of the property value and would the recharge be adjusted if property values decreased (so the recharge becomes a higher % of the total value). RG explained that the charges are calculated as an apportionment of the costs applicable for leaseholders to pay over the whole scheme; it’s not linked to existing property values. RG added the point that as values are likely to increase, the proportion represented by the recharge figure will decrease.

CS made the point that there needs to be ongoing discussions. For many leaseholders who regard their flat as their permanent home for life, this is an excellent deal. RG added that the current arrangements are unique to Kings Crescent, not offered to any other LBH estate.

5.0
Unit C update

5.1

WO reported that tenders should be received on Friday with evaluation scheduled for January.

BB asked about a target date for completion.

RG suggested that an optimistic date would be end of March, probably April. The main delay will be Building Control approving the ventilation arrangements.

6.0
Phase 1 & 2 remaining items

6.1

EP asked how the review of documents with Higgins was going. RG reported that discussions had been very challenging. This is now not Higgins’ top priority to deal with. LBH hope to get more information from further post-occupancy evaluation surveys. More detail will hopefully be available at the next RSG.

AA sought confirmation that residents will have the opportunity to give feedback. RG confirmed that surveys will be co-ordinated in the new year and the survey form will be brought to the next RSG.

RG noted that the issues are now only around the latent defects that affect all the northside blocks.

KH asked if some of the defects are covered by the 10 year NHBC guarantee and if LBH are aware of issues that fall in this category. Could LBH check if the NHBC guarantee is appropriate?

ES raised the issue of entrance doors that have had new fittings that are inappropriate for the design consistency of the rest of the building. E.g. a new handle has been fitted on one block that is out of keeping with the look of the other doors. More substandard additions seem to be appearing as time goes on. RG could only comment that these were approved by the LBH design team.

EP is meeting Bronwen before the January TRA meeting to go over outstanding defects. She is frustrated because nothing seems to get resolved. Is it possible to sign off the things that have been sorted out so that the outstanding items can be properly dealt with?

7.0
TRA update

7.1

EP reported that there was a productive meeting 2 weeks ago to discuss community and social initiatives. The TRA has £3k unspent from the LBH Community Development Fund. Some ideas that emerged from the meeting were: support for a local resident film maker who is making a film about BLM – she requested some money to pay extras (who could be local people), Zoom art sessions, a gardening event and art ‘safari’ around the estate. There is also still a budget for the summer party that had to be postponed.

8.0
Update from ITLA

8.1

CS gave an update: we have been supporting many leaseholders, some with in depth advice and information. We attended the surgeries and are continuing ongoing discussions with some. Leasehold Services were helpful; it’s worth continuing to engage positively with leaseholders.

We participated in the onsite visits with the tendering contractors.

9.0
Any urgent business

9.1

None

10.0
Date of next meetings

10.1

8th February 2021 at 7.00 via Google Meet

The agenda will be posted here when available and the minutes will be posted here after the meeting

ETRA meeting January 2021
2021-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
On Zoom only due to Covid-19 restrictions
The zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all who request it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)

Minutes
Chair – Emley Pine (resident and chair of Kings Crescent TRA committee)

In attendance:
John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership/ Independent Resident Advisor

Deborah Noel
ASB Manager for the North of Hackney (Hackney)

William Owen
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Cllr Clare Potter
Councillor Brownswood Ward

Annette Reid (AR)
Housing Officer for Kings Crescent Estate (Hackney)

Bianca Rembrandt
Community Safety and Principal Enforcement Officer (Hackney)

Bronwen Thomas (BT)
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

13 residents
(including 5 TRA committee members)

Agenda Item
Action

Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions

Alice proposes to accept the minutes from the last ETRA meeting (Oct 2020) as they have been shared, Bronwen seconds.
There are no objections.

2
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

Update on action points from last meeting:
Bollards have been fixed in the play street.
The cleaning team has posted a list of what they do weekly in the notice boards in each of the blocks.

Noise in the courtyard: AR engaged with the resident participation team and it was agreed that this was a Covid-19 issue and so she will only monitor but no actions will be taken. She asks that people continue to report if the noise becomes an issue. A resident highlights that this is a recurring issues which comes every summer. AR reiterates that people should report if the noise becomes an issue.

Bins: AR has posted a notice in each block kindly asking residents to dispose of their waste in the right fashion.

Install signs to deter motorcyclist to use the play street

BT

Play Street – 3 no entry signs promised but never delivered: BT explains that it was decided that there were enough negative signs on the estate and that because there were less reports of vehicles using the play street then no further actions would be taken. A resident confirms there are still numerous motorcycles using the play street. BT agrees to look into this further.

Impact of cyberattack: A request was made by AH for Hackney to provide an update on what data has been compromised as a result of the cyberattack? AR invite residents who have any questions about the cyberattack to visit: https://hackney.gov.uk/service-status

3
Leaseholder concerns

Service charges (NB: this covered all parts of the estate) – Starting from 2020, some residents from the TRA are given early sight of the Service Charges amounts with some additional breakdown to give initial feedback ahead of being shared more widely with all residents. AH (one of these TRA volunteers) explains that when the service charges are first released (to those who are asked to comment before they are issued to all residents) there is a good engagement from Hackney but after questions are raised, Hackney never really gets back to them. AR asked AH to send the name of the contact person to confirm that the questions are going to the right person.

Cap removed for some leaseholders in the Southside blocks due to be refurbished in next phase: EP (resident) explains that Hackney has removed the £10k cap for some leaseholders and introduced a clawback mechanism. The cap had been promised to leaseholders on the cost of the refurbishment on the southern block. A group of leaseholders has been formed. If anyone wants to join, they can email the TRA at KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be put in touch with the group.
No one from Hackney is present to respond to these concerns.

AR to provide contact name to AH for service charges concerns

AR

4
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

AR and BT have started the conversation with the different teams within Hackney who deal with this. The Energy Team should eventually contact residents.
It is agreed that the TRA should see this letter (this is the action mentioned in several previous meetings which attempts to explain the overall cost structure of the Insite Heating & explain how Hackney has delivered “value for money” for residents) before it is issued to make sure that it answers residents’ concerns.

Share the letter from the Energy Team with the TRA before it is issued to the rest of the residents
Energy Team
BT
AR

5
Update on Issues in Newer Blocks

Update on list of all defects recently handed over from Higgins to Hackney – The list has been handed over and BT is going through it. It is a big document.
Post-occupancy survey of residents – The primary aim of this survey is to inform the next development phases but as Hackney is now aware of the list of pending defects from Higgins it may also be used to identify what ongoing defect issues there are within the new builds.
Update with ongoing issues:
BT apologies about the fact that it is taking time to resolve some of these issues and explains that this is because it is not always clear who should fix them between Higgins who should deal with defect issues and Hackney who deals with the “normal” day-to-day problems.
Broken doors – Handles should be replaced by Hackney (not Higgins) in the coming months.

Fire access key misuse & related parcel theft & ASB – A box with a more secure lock should be installed over these fire access key. The fire brigade has confirmed this is in line with the fire safety requirements. A resident highlights that this was supposed to be solved by August 2019. BT agrees to try to have a definitive date for the work by the end of next week. BR highlights that a members inquiry could be raised. Clare Potters agrees to raise the inquiry.
It was noted that the length of time for this to be solved is unacceptable and that the easy access into buildings is a source of worry for residents. There have also been incidences of physical harm when residents have challenged people in a block who don’t belong. A resident highlighted that for issues which put people’s safety at risk, a quicker response from Hackney would be expected.
Slippery courtyard – Cleaning and sealing has been “done” by Higgins but it appears that some areas have not been done properly. BT is looking into this.
Possible CCTV for bike stores – The CCTV team is currently working on this but no timeframe is available. The CCTV should cover the internal bike stores and the external ones.
Lifts continuing to break – Issues in Sandon, Kimpton and Radwell – BT is commissioning surveys to confirm if the lifts were installed properly or not. If they were not, Higgins will be responsible to find a long-term solution.
Mismatched paint used in communal areas – This may have to be done in the next cycle of maintenance. These cycles are 7-10 year long.

BT

CP
Find what date those safety boxes will be installed
Raise a member’s inquiry

6
Community Safety

BR has been looking at CCTV after a few incidents. She highlights that some residents are not careful in regard to shutting the door behind them. She has also noticed there are a lot of people (non-residents) who appears to be looking into the buildings. She repeats that putting frosting on windows to reduce temptation is an option she is looking into.

DN explains that residents should always contact the ASB team as a first point of contact (as well as the police if it is a crime) when witnessing ASB. Once this is done, a case officer will be assigned to the case and will keep the resident informed on what is happening with that case.
A resident says she contacted the ASB team prior to Christmas but no one has come back to them. DN will get back to the resident.

To report ASB: asb.housing@hackney.gov.uk or hotline: 020 8356 3310
AR stresses that any level of ASB should be reported low or high.
DN invites people to email her directly if they have comments about the ASB service (but not to report ASB): deborah.noel@hackney.gov.uk

Responding to resident who emailed ASB

DN

7
Update from Source Partnership

John invites anyone who has issues with Hackney to contact Source Partnership (SP), including the leaseholders from the southern blocks.
Tender invitation has gone out in February for the estate’s next phase of work. Residents in the Steering Group will get an opportunity to comment on the tender submitted but most of the score will be based on price.
SP has been supporting Hackney Showroom on a project to support people isolated due to the pandemic.
Source Partnership is available by email and on the phone.
john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
020 8299 2550 https://www.sourcepartnership.com/

8
Any other business?
A resident asks why the lifts always go back to the ground floor.
The same resident asks what is the colour for the white in his flat.

A resident asks if there could be another service charge workshop. The TRA confirms they will discuss this to see how it is best to organise this type of workshop.
Find the colour for the white in the flat and send to resident
BT

9
Dates of next meetings & close
Community focused residents meeting March 2021
Next ETRA April 2021 (dates TBC)

Emley (TRA)

Agenda

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley (TRA)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (Oct 2020)
· Note actions taken since last meeting

2
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

· Update on action points from last meeting
· Play Street – 3 no entry signs promised but never delivered
· Impact of cyberattack

when all services will be back up & running
when residents will get a further update on what data has been compromised
what actions are being taken to prevent this from reoccurring.

15 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer
Andrea Scott (Hackney)
Or any Hackney staff able to answer

3
Leaseholder concerns

· Service charges – value for money?
· Cap removed for some leaseholders in the Southside blocks due to be refurbished in next phase
(How best to deal with these concerns?)

10 mins
Emley/
Hackney

4
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

· Competitive? Why maintenance being charged twice? Can we enrol the estate in a Heat Trust?

10 mins
Energy team

5
Update on Issues in Newer Blocks

· Update on list of all defects recently handed over from Higgins to Hackney
· Post-occupancy survey of residents
· Update with ongoing issues:
o Broken doors
o Fire access key misuse
o Related parcel theft & ASB
o Slippery courtyard
o Possible CCTV for bike stores
o Lifts continuing to break – Issues in Sandon, Kimpton and Radwell
o Mismatched paint used in communal areas
25 mins
Bronwen Thomas Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)
And New Build Team

6
Community Safety

· Address current estate safety concerns
10 mins
Deborah Noel (ASB team) or
Bianca Rembrandt

7
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol
5 mins
Source Partnership

8
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA)

9
Dates of next meetings & close
Community focused residents meeting March 2021
Next ETRA April 2021 (dates TBC)
5 mins
Emley (TRA)

**Please note that this meeting will only deal with estate related issues**
We will have another resident focused meeting in March 2021 to discuss building community on Kings Crescent, ideas for events and activities etc. Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!

February Steering Group Meeting
2021-02-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
Meeting held on
Monday 8th February starting at 7.00pm
(via Google)
MINUTES

In Attendance:

Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris
Cllr Clare Potter
Cllr Brian Bell
11 residents
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
LB Hackney (Cllr)
LB Hackney (Cllr)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

The meeting was chaired by Cllr Potter.

Apologies were received from Hana Chambers, Peter Sim and Alfred Fiorentini.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 14th December 2020 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on agenda.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1

Programme update – RG

Three tenders were submitted by the deadline: midday today (8th Feb). The next month will be spent evaluating the tenders with a scheduled tender report to be written by 8th March. The quantitative part (pricing) is being assessed by QS and Potter Raper, the LBH Employers Agent. The qualitative parts break down into: programming proposals, resourcing, risk mitigation, site logistics, design integrity, community engagement and local employment and training opportunities.

WO has set up a meeting on 16th Feb for the resident reps who will evaluate some of these items.

LBH would still like to arrange visits to tenderers’ sites but ongoing restrictions mean this will have to wait until March/April.

There will be an internal moderation meeting on 25th Feb. to review the final qualitative scores.

A negotiation period of 9 weeks is in place if bids are non compliant in any way or come in over budget. This period will take until approx. mid June if needed. There will then be a report to Cabinet written while the leaseholder S20 process runs its course. A Cabinet approval will be subject to the S20 consultation process.

NC asked if this meant that the whole process is still on track to meet expected deadlines. RG replied that the 9 week negotiation period should allow for delays to be minimised.

CP asked if everything was likely to be agreed by the end of summer. RG – hopefully and, if so a start on site date of December 2021 should be achievable.

3.2

Resident Evaluation Panel

WO reported that an e mail has gone out to all on the evaluation panel with a Confidentiality Agreement. WO urged all to fill their names in on the electronic versions asap and return to him as he cannot share the tender docs. until this has been done. JM confirmed the Panel as Emley, Peter D, Peter A, Jill, Karsten and Jo.

3.3

Respite Centre

WO led on this item. It is generally agreed that the Respite Centre for phase 1&2 was inadequate. More people are now working from home but does LBH ask contractors to provide sleeping facilities? LBH have no fixed ideas on what the Respite Centre should consist of but contractors will want to provide one in order to qualify for the Considerate Constructors Scheme Award. So, questions WO was interested in getting answers to include:
· what should a Respite Centre provide?
· what are the different needs on phase 3&4 c/w 1&2?
· where should a centre be located?
· how can users make the most of it?
· how will it be managed? How will a booking system work?

JWM made the point that in phase 1&2, the centre was on site and therefore, it provided little respite and there was little uptake. So location this time should be a prime consideration. It needs to be near but off the estate.
AA stated that in the summer with windows open it is noisy in normal times.
CP suggested that the Green Lanes/Queens Drive corner where DZ6S will be built would be a possible site. JWM thought this was still close to Weston Court, where the noisiest works are likely.
EP didn’t realise there was a Respite Centre available in phase 1&2 so good publicity for the one on phase 3&4 will be crucial. It should be something that can be used at short notice. Could local cafes or soft play areas be subsidised by the contractor to provide space for those seeking respite? It would be good if individuals who wish to do some work away from home could sit in a café without having to buy lots of expensive coffee!
JWM proposed the idea of the reservoir centre as a location where people could use rooms to work in or have meetings. Could a shuttle bus be provided to transport people there and back? PA said he would be prepared to walk up to the reservoirs if necessary. He also observed that the centre in phase 1&2 was not very big. It would also need a good internet connection.
CP suggested a survey to assess the numbers of night workers in order to inform the decision on providing sleeping facilities. RG thought the contractor’s Resident Liaison Officer would be tasked with getting this sort of information.
JG emphasised the number of people working from home, so in her view, this would likely be the main focus. WO asked if people were likely to be happy to work immediately alongside others, or require separate rooms. JG said she’d rather work in the company of others than try to work in a very noisy environment.
KH asked when the noisy work is likely to start. RG replied that this depends on the contractor’s programming but that good advanced notice will be required.
ES asked if contractors will be allowed to work at weekends. RG – it will be for Building Control to decide but the expectation is that work will only be carried out Mon – Fri. CP recalled that Higgins did work some Saturdays in phase 1&2 to catch up on the programme. JWM confirmed that some Saturday work did take place inside buildings during the 2nd fix period.

4.0
Unit C update

4.1

WO reported that the 3 tenders received for the refit were all over budget but a productive meeting with Hackney Showroom and the TRA had resulted in a revised and cheaper brief. The 3 new tenders are expected back tomorrow (9th Feb). If work can start in late March, there should be completion in June. Part of the extra time delay will depend on contractor availability.

5.0
Phase 1 & 2 remaining items

5.1

RG gave an update:
Paving: LBH need to establish whether Higgins have now finished the works that comprise their commitments.
CCTV to bike stores: a quote for installation is with the CCTV team which is likely to be accepted. The installation will take approx. 3 or 4 weeks and they are waiting for an indication of when this can start.
Lifts: a quote is being reviewed for an independent consultant to inspect and do a report on the two worst affected blocks – Kimpton and Sandon.

Main front doors: a sub contractor will remove the superfluous handle
Latent defects records: a meeting with Higgins has been arranged to make sure that all defects reported directly to Higgins are known to LBH and have been dealt with.

Follow up questions:
NJ asked if there is going to need to be ongoing fixes to the paving that could have an impact on future service charges. RG – the meeting with Higgins will hopefully resolve if any outstanding issues are latent defects or now repairs
ES asked if this includes future treatments to the paving and also who is paying for the lift consultant. Could they include Radwell in their investigation?
KH asked that Wallington lift also be included. He also reported that there are still other defects outstanding.
RG added that it will becoming increasingly difficult to claim future repairs to paving are defects; the new sealant shouldn’t fail again.
AA reported that there are several issue with her flat and block; damp causing mould and door locks broken. RG and CP suggested taking these issues off line. AA to contact CP for follow up.

RG to ask Bronwen and Employers Agent to include these two blocks in the lift analysis

5.2

Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

WO emphasised that the POE survey is not primarily intended to resolve defects but rather as a lessons learnt exercise to inform future regen. However, LBH do still want to gather information on what is still outstanding. WO asked for any views on the survey form.
CP thought it looked well laid out and stated that it is important that as many people as possible are encouraged to complete it.
WO – it can be filled in on line as a test by anyone wanting to check how it works and then the form will be deleted.

6.0
TRA update

6.1

EP reported that the TRA and Hackney Showroom are discussing how to spend a budget of £3k that needs to used by end March. Proposals they are looking at include: a Zoom art project, a Zoom quiz evening (with drag host) and assistance with a BLM film project. There are also Spring gardening events planned. The next meeting date is TBA.

7.0
Update from ITLA

7.1

CS gave an update:
· we have continued to support leaseholders throughout the S20 process,
· liaised with Annette Reid on vulnerable residents, noting that there have been several bereavements over the last few months,
· we circulated a flier inviting residents to get in touch if needed
· we await news on 15th Feb about whether some relaxation of restrictions may make it possible to resume some appointments in the community centre

8.0
Section 20 issues

8.1

RG reported that there had been 3 more one to one meetings with leaseholders, to follow the 7 meetings held on 10/12/20. The next steps are: 2nd stage S20 ‘Notice of Proposal’ with details of the successful contractor with individual, per flat costings and a 30 day consultation period; a 3rd stage ‘Notice of intention to carry out qualifying works’ with more specific details of works proposed and costs, again with a 30 day consultation period. Leaseholders have been made aware of repayment options. The upcoming newsletter will remind residents what is being proposed in the refurbishment programme.
EP expressed concern that the strength of feeling about the costs has been judged by LBH in the light of the numbers attending the surgeries (10). In fact the leaseholders whatsapp group has 34 members. RG stressed that the consultation is not over.
EP was also concerned that non residents are disadvantaged as the backdated cut off date of 28th May gave them no opportunity to return as residents or to change plans. She pointed out that there are no non resident owners on the RSG to articulate their concerns. Many do not receive mail from their tenants. RG noted that non resident leaseholders are obliged to inform LBH Leasehold Services of forwarding addresses.
RG reminded the meeting that the default position is that all leaseholders are charged the full recharge amount; the current arrangements are a variation to this. LBH dispute that a 10k cap was promised to all leaseholders.
EP asked when the stage 2 Notice will be issued. RG – when LBH are in a position to accept a tender and while the internal approval process is progressing. If September 2021 is the aim for Cabinet approval, then this will be the time when the Stage 2 Notice will be issued.
JG asked if there is anything the Leaseholder group can do now or do they have to wait until the Stage 2 Notice consultation? RG – comments should be lodged at the time of the Stage 2 Notice. LBH can’t do anything with the representations being made now.
JG asked if there was an update on the buyback option. RG – those interested should contact him and he will approach Simon Theobald (LBH Director of Finance) who will arrange for a valuation visit.

9.0
Any urgent business

9.1

EP raised mould issues in the southside blocks. Will the major repairs deal with these? RG – the 5 or 6 worst affected properties will have passive ventilation measures installed and the roof insulation, new windows and cladding of the undercrofts should improve thermal efficiency. CP has been closely involved in these issues through casework and is keen to see how these measures will improve the situation.

9.2

ES raised the £750 fee that sellers have to pay to have fire insurance cover confirmed. RG – this is out of LBH hands as the insurance industry has reacted to new legislation in an extreme way.

10.0
Date of next meeting

10.1

Week commencing 22nd March (probably 22nd as this is the Monday) To be confirmed next week.

AGENDA

Agenda item
Lead

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Bell (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 14th December 2020 and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Bell (Chair)

3
Phase 3 & 4

(a) Update on progress and next steps
(b) Respite centre (feedback exercise)

Ron (LBH)

4
Unit C update

Will (LBH)

5
Phase 1 & 2

(a) Update on progress and next steps
(b) Post occupancy survey (feedback exercise)

Ron (LBH)
Will (LBH)

6

TRA update

Emley (TRA Chair)

7
ITLA update

Source

8
Section 20 update
Ron (LBH)

9
Any urgent business

Cllr Bell (Chair)

10
Date of next meeting

Cllr Bell (Chair)

Quiz Night!
2021-03-19 20:00 - 21:00 | Online
Join your neighbours on Kings Crescent for an online quiz and comedy evening
Hosted by the award- winning-drag-superstar and Queen of Canvey Island Diane Chorley.
There’s lots of prizes to be won and you really don’t need to be brilliant at quizzing to take part. Just bring yourself (or any other adults in your household) plus a pen and paper!
Friday 19 March, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Age Guidance 14+
FREE

Presented by Hackney Showroom and Kings Crescent TRA
Book your free ticket here: https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/quiz-night/

POSTPONED March Steering Group Meeting
2021-03-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
POSTPONED to 31 March 2021
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
Meeting to be held on
Monday 22nd March starting at 7.00pm
(via Google)

March Residents Meeting
2021-03-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) meeting will be celebrating the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and looking for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Minutes:

In attendance – 9 residents plus:
Molly Sharpe

Hackney Showroom

Chama Kapumpa
Hackney Showroom

John Morris
Source Partnership

Siovhan Crombie
Hackney Council (Resident Participation)

Cllr Clare Potter
Brownswood Ward Councillor

Agenda Item

Action
Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions
Minutes from the last meeting on 2/12/20 were approved (proposed by Emma and seconded by Sarah)

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates

General updates from Emley:
· New noticeboards are now in place at end of Bramfield Ct and by the Therfield Ct courtyard. The TRA also has use of existing LBH noticeboards on Theobalds Ct and Datchworth Ct. These will be available in addition to the Hackney Showroom window. Many thanks to Annette Reid for assisting with this.
· The Homework Club was paused by the latest lockdown. Funds are still in the bank to pay for its resumption as soon as we can.
· Emley has continued to attend Hackney CVS meetings to network with other voluntary groups, including Woodberry Down Wetlands.
· Work on attracting further funding is ongoing.
· Young Hackney are planning to run free sports activities on Kings Crescent during the Easter school holiday

3
Hackney Resident Participation Team update

Siovhan reported that the restructure has finally been completed. She will be taking redundancy and leaves at the end of May. The new team should be in place by June with the staff complement including a Youth Co-ordinator and someone whose job it will be to oversee governance issues, e.g. concerning TRA constitutions, safeguarding etc.

Emley asked if a budget for 2021/2 has been confirmed for TRA funding. Siovhan indicated that there should be £3,000 available as for this year.

Emma wished to record thanks from everyone for Siovhan’s support since she has been the Resident Engagement contact.

4
Source Partnership Update

John Morris reported that there has been little opportunity to engage directly with residents since the start of the current lockdown.

· The main contract for phase 3&4 of the regeneration works is at the stage of negotiation with tenderers, following the submission of 3 bids. After internal approvals, cabinet approval and a period of mobilisation, works should finally start on site in January 2022.
· Source, with LBH facilitated an evaluation panel of 6 steering group residents who reviewed some of the qualitative elements of the tenders – these were approaches to respite facilities during construction works, community engagement and communications with local residents and how complaints would be dealt with. The panel met on 16/2 and fed back views to LBH.
· We remain available to support the TRA and Hackney Showroom with the Unit C refit proposals.

5
Hackney Showroom Update

Molly Sharpe and Chama Kapumpa introduced themselves. Molly is Producer/General Manager, Chama is Communications & Engagement Manager. While they have mainly been working from home, projects that have developed over the last few weeks are:
· online quiz on Friday 19th March attracted 22 registrations and 18 attendees and was hugely successful
· the Megazine – an activity book for 5-11 yr olds. It is free and was designed by local artists. The print run was 500, 130 copies have been ordered by individuals and a further 160 have been earmarked for a local primary school. Copies can be ordered from the HS website.
These initiatives were part funded from LBH Community grant.

HS hope to start or restart the following activities over the coming months:
· Futureheads in May. Some funding from this has been redirected to the establishment of a library to feature a range of multicultural books and resources. Chama is looking for volunteers to help run the library. He can be contacted at chama@hackneyshowroom.com.
· Booking is open for Summer Futureheads in June
· Young Actors training which has been held online but which HS hope to switch to face to face work soon.
· Disco Loco – hope to restart in May
· The Kings Feast – a street celebration with food for the Kings Crescent community
Molly asked about the possibility of being able to use the Vince Murrain Community Centre while the refit works to ‘Unit C’ is still awaited. Clare advised that it is unlikely to open in the near future as LBH are very cautious.
John to send Molly email address of Community Halls Team contact to enquire.
Source also to direct the Megazine to any families with KS1 kids they know.
· Update on fit out of the HS space (Unit C): the appointment of the successful contractor is being finalised. Some costs have been reduced. BEH, the building firm have given an estimated timescale of 6 weeks to complete the work, which could be a bit unrealistic. A revised programme will be discussed at a pre contract meeting. Still waiting for a likely start on site date.

John (Source)

Source

6
Funding available

The TRA has secured funding from 2020/21 as follows:
· £750 for Andrew’s art project. This was piloted online as a project around how elders’ stories can be re-interpreted by younger residents. They propose to revisit the younger participants to upscale their work over the summer.
· £550 for the quiz night
· £600 for gardening projects. Tom Sharp has led on proposals to use funding for communal tools, mini-greenhouse, soil and seeds and gardening events. 8 new plots are being discussed with LBH for community use and for individuals on the waiting list for a plot. A letter is going out to all allotment holders to check who have plots no longer being used so these can be re allocated. Community gardening events can also be attended by those wanting to grow plants on their balcony or windowsill.
· £500 towards Hackney Showroom MEGAzine
· The £600 contribution to the BLM film project that was requested for this financial year was approved by Hackney but they asked for it to be funded from 2021/22 budget
The TRA should therefore be able to claim £2,400 from Hackney’s Community Development Fund for the 2021/22 financial year.

7
Open conversation

· Clare noted that several residents have passed away in the last year from coronavirus and could we consider ways to acknowledge this and commemorate their memories? She will talk to Annette and Ron to see what might be appropriate/possible in terms of a physical memorial: bench or tree with plaque? Andrew suggested a cherry tree and/or bench could be planted/placed in the new central square.
· Andrew raised the idea of English speakers being given the opportunity to learn some of a local community language, Turkish being the obvious candidate.
· Molly told the meeting that HS are looking at an art project that creates events or installations on the roofs.
· Emma’s Art Safari. Households sign up to create an animal on their balcony or at their flat window and then a safari is organised around the estate to find all the participating homes. A high quality ‘product’ designed and produced by local artists would enhance the chances of success. Emma to draft an outline of how it could be planned and organised. Molly offered contacts with local artists.
· Juliette offered her skills as a seamstress to help with art projects; she had participated in a project at art school that upcycled old garments into e.g. cocktail dresses that were then auctioned
· Emley suggested a Christmas market that showcased all sorts of creative outputs. Local people could sell self-made products as gifts. Emma suggested this could be part of a summer street event. Are there any legal considerations for residents selling their own products at such an event? Molly offered HS as a resource to take this idea forward.
· Molly will meet Emley to discuss street party/event suggestions so that coherent plans are formed. Clare suggested a calendar of events would be helpful.
· There was discussion about the possible impact of the main development works on Murrain Rd; this should be an issue to raise with the successful contractors. Hoarding should not impinge on the use of Murrain Rd but this will need to be co-ordinated with the programme of works.
· Andrew raised the issue of access to the courtyards; this is a management concern that needs to be resolved with Annette.
· Emma made a plea that the refit works to the HS space are expedited.

Clare

Emma

8
AOB
Emley informed the meeting that the dates for the 2 types of TRA meetings for the rest of 2021 will be posted on the kingscrescent.org website.

9
Dates of next meetings & close
Next ETRA – (to discuss estate issues): 15th April
Next Community-focussed TRA meeting: 10th June

Previous information:
Let us know if you have any ideas!
This meeting will be held online via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions
Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting

Featuring:

Updates from the committee
Discussion about community events on Kings Crescent
Updates from Hackney Showroom, Source Partnership and Hackney’s Resident Participation Team
Opportunity to share your ideas

Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December. There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.
AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Approve minutes from December 2020 meeting
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
5 mins
TRA Committee

3
Hackney Resident Participation Team Update
5 mins
Siovhan Crombie

4
Source Partnership Update
5 mins
John Morris

· Recent activity and latest plans for phases 3&4 development

5
Hackney Showroom Update
15 mins
H.S

· Introduction to new staff
· Progress on building work to transform the space
· Events and activities

6
Funding Available
10 mins
Emley

· Community Development Fund – update on 2020/21 funding and ideas for 2021/22
· Other funding options

7
Open Conversation
35 mins
Residents

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.

8
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close
10 mins
Emley

Brownswood police meeting
2021-03-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Dear Brownswood Ward Member,

Our first meeting of the year!

You will have a chance to hear about the work we have done as SNT to reduce and prevent crime, the current roles and duties of our new officers. You will also be able to raise concerns and questions about ward issues and understand what we are able to do to help.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact one of our officers if you have questions about the meeting or would link the link to attend:
Rigo Pal – CE-CU <Pal.Rigo@met.police.uk>; Guilloux Nicolas – CE-CU <Nicolas.Guilloux@met.police.uk>; Morris Jimmy P – CE-CU <James.P.Morris@met.police.uk>;
Regards,
PC HUSSAIN 1939CE
Brownswood Safer Team
Metropolitan Police Service
Central East BCU (Hackney & Tower Hamlets)
a: Stoke Newington Police Station, Hackney, N16 8DT
w: www.met.police.uk e: Mohammed.Hussain4@Met.Police.UK

Steering group meeting March 2021
2021-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com
Minutes

In Attendance:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
Menekse Saitoglu
7 residents (members of RSG)
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from Hana Chambers, Natalie Crouchley (who is moving from Kings Crescent), Peter Sim and Alfred Fiorentini.

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 8th February 2021 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on agenda.

BB reminded members of the RSG that their role was to represent the whole community of Kings Crescent or at least their own block. It was not a forum for private or personal business to be raised.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1

Procurement update – RG

The three tenders have been submitted to an LBH moderation meeting and elements were assessed by a resident evaluation panel. LBH QS are now reviewing the commercial aspects of the bids and some contractual requirements. LBH are aiming for maximum risk to be borne by the contractor so there are cost implications to this approach. There is also a check going on with LBH Legal and Procurement teams to ensure that all requirements have been complied with.

The negotiation period will now start on 21/4/21 and last approx. 6 weeks, with a favoured contractor hopefully emerging late May. The internal approval process will start in June alongside the Stage 2 S20 notice which involves a 30 day period for representation back to the Council. Stage 3 and its 30 day notice period will start in August. Concurrently, work on preparing a cabinet report will be carried out with a likely Cabinet meeting to approve the awarding of the contract in September (subject to the S20 process). Contract mobilisation will run from approx. Oct 2021 to Jan 2022 with start on site predicted for late Jan next year.

RG recorded thanks to the Evaluation Panel for their contribution; LBH want to capture the best of all the qualitative sections of all 3 bids to persuade the successful contractor to adopt them.

JG asked if the negotiation period meant that all 3 bids were over budget. RG confirmed that this was the case and that LBH are looking for savings but not ones that will compromise fundamental design elements.

JG asked what happens if there is no agreement on price after the negotiation period. RG is confident that agreement will be reached and added that the bidders know the overall budget so know where they need to make savings if they want to be successful.

JG asked if any change of scope of the works will impact on the S20 liabilities of leaseholders. RG – yes and these will be reflected in the costings in the Stage 2 S20 notice. This stage of the process cannot take place until LBH know the costs from the successful contractor.

PD asked if Early Contractor Involvement will result in any change to detailed design. RG noted that contractors will be looking at supply chain savings, e.g on kitchen fittings or on consultancy costs (e.g. structural engineers). LBH will not allow an impact on the external appearance. Any savings on building standards will be on internal specifications.

KH asked if issues around costs might be addressed by adding more stories onto planned blocks. RG – definitely not. BB added that this would need a new planning application which isn’t feasible.

3.2

Resident Evaluation Panel feedback

JG went through the summary of the Panel’s impressions of all 3 bids. JM emphasised the closeness of the scores. JG highlighted some key elements of the 3 bids in the sections that the Panel considered. The summary document is attached to these minutes.

CP agreed with the conclusion on the best site for the respite facilities (behind Bramfield Court on the Queens Drive side) and commended the positive feedback from the Panel. BB and CP noted thanks to the Panel for their work on this.

KH emphasised the importance of the inclusion of daytime sleeping arrangements in the respite approach for shift and night workers.

PA noted that all 3 contractors gave comprehensive, good quality answers and that it was hard to distinguish between them.

3.3

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS)

JWM gave an overview of the scheme based on her experience of working for Higgins on phase 1&2.

CCS is a voluntary scheme that aims to raise standards across the whole of the construction industry. It consists of 5 parts. Contractors should:
1. Care about appearance.
Examples from Higgins included: wheel washing of all vehicles and regular washing down of the road, all hoarding were kept neat and tidy, non-construction employees had to wear a suit to look professional
2. Respect the community
This was a big part of the RLO’s job; they managed the respite centre and it was important that everyone visiting the site was made to feel welcome and safe. The RLO was the first point of contact for complaints. The local economy was supported by providing local work as traffic marshalls and apprenticeships
3. Protect the environment
This was everyone’s responsibility and of paramount importance. Jill did daily boundary walks with monitoring equipment to log noise levels. This will be of particular importance for Weston Court. Higgins also worked with allotment holders to help them encourage beneficial wildlife to their plots.
4. Care about safety
All staff and visitors had to do a H&S induction before coming onto site, CCTV, well maintained fences, 24 hr security were all part of this. CCTV picked up an assault and this was of help to police dealing with the incident.
5. Value their workforce
Higgins had monthly Employers Engagement Meetings where a rep from each sub-contractor met to raise issues, e.g. standard of site facilities, H&S problems. Personal development needs were also met – Jill went on training courses (e.g community dev. course with Newman Francis, First Aid), all employees and sub-contractors were provided with training to obtain CSCS cards and alerted when certificates were due for renewal.

There are also mascots and resources for going into local schools to raise awareness of site safety amongst younger children and for older students, a chance to ‘sell’ the industry as a potential career option.

The standards are monitored by twice yearly visits from CCS inspectors who allocate marks out of 9 for each part, with 5 more marks available for ‘above and beyond’ achievement. Contractors should aim to score at least 40 points.

RG added that in addition to these standards, LBH will have its own key performance indicators.
The meeting’s thanks to Jill for this presentation was noted.

4.0
Unit C update

4.1

WO reported that a contractor has been selected to do the fit out. The timescale for the whole process of completing the work is extended by the requirement to get Building Control sign off once works are completed. A pre-contract meeting will determine likely start and finish dates. Approx. start in June? A more definite timeline should be available at the next RSG.

5.0
TRA update

5.1

EP reported that the TRA and Hackney Showroom have been busy planning for activities that can take place as soon as restrictions are further eased. LBH Community Development fund paid for a successful quiz night on 19/3, an activity book for primary pupils, both organised with Hackney Showroom. Future projects being planned include gardening (purchase of seeds, tools and the creation of new beds for community use), an art project and support for a local film maker who is creating a Black Lives Matter-themed film.
EP also welcomed the new noticeboards on the estate. Meetings for the rest of 2021 are now in place and publicised.

6.0
Update from ITLA

6.1

CS noted that Source’s involvement has continued to be minimal due to lockdown restrictions. A request has been made to open up the allotment area behind the Vince Murrain Centre; this could be unwise given the current condition of the area and the still unresolved issue of the open sewer pipe. CP asked if this area could be made safe so that residents can capitalise on one more growing season now. RG said that the issue with the sewer pipe has been noted and needs to be chased internally.

JM raised the continued inability to use the VM Community Centre. CS noted that it will be open for local elections in May, so Source will be pressing to be able to use it for meetings of 6 or less.

RG

7.0
Phase 1 & 2

7.1

Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

WO asked if RSG members and neighbours could be encouraged to complete this. 10 have been completed on line; there may be others completed in hard copy and waiting in the LBH offices. WO will be calling all residents in the new blocks to chase for the surveys.

EP has reminded everyone on the TRA website and Whatsapp groups. KH to also add a reminder on the FB site.

KH

8.0
Any urgent business

8.1

RG informed the meeting that the CCTV to the bike stores is being installed next week.

8.2

KH asked about progress on resolving the problems with some of the northside blocks’ lifts. WO reported that a lift consultant had visited yesterday; their report should be available in approx. 4 weeks.

8.3

EP raised the continued long list of outstanding defects in the northside blocks which is taking up a lot of time at TRA meetings. RG reported that issues have been escalated to Head of Regen. and Head of Building Maintenance. There should be some tangible progress to report at the next TRA meeting on 15th April. EP noted that residents are getting very frustrated with the time this is taking to resolve, especially now that increased service charges bills have been sent out. Can RG help to get Leasehold Services Team to the next meeting on 15/4? RG said he would contact them.

RG

9.0
Date of next meeting

9.1

26th May 2021, 7.00

Previous information:
Meeting to be held on
Wednesday 31st March starting at 7.00pm
(via Google)

AGENDA

Agenda item
Lead

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Bell (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 8th February 2021 and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Bell (Chair)

3
Phase 3 & 4
a) Update on progress with contractor procurement
b) Feedback from resident evaluation panel
c) Considerate Constructors Scheme

Ron (LBH)

Jill

4
Unit C update

Will (LBH)

5
TRA update

Emley (TRA Chair)

6

ITLA update
Source

7
Phase 1 & 2
(a) Post occupancy survey
(b) Outstanding issues

Will (LBH)
Ron (LBH)

8
Any urgent business

Cllr Bell (Chair)

9
Date of next meeting

Cllr Bell (Chair)

ETRA meeting April 2021
2021-04-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
On Zoom only due to Covid-19 restrictions
Minutes

In attendance:
Billy Dunne (BD)
Estate Cleaning Manager

John Morris
Consultant at Source Partnership/ Independent Resident Advisor

Judith Morrison (JM)
Head of Leasehold & Right to Buy Services (Hackney)

Deborah Noel
ASB Manager for the North of Hackney (Hackney)

William Owen (WO)
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Clare Potter (CP)
Councillor Brownswood Ward

Annette Reid (AR)
Housing Officer for Kings Crescent Estate (Hackney)

Bianca Rembrandt (BR)
Community Safety and Principal Enforcement Officer (Hackney)

Bronwen Thomas (BT)

15 Residents
Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)

Agenda Item
Action
Owner

1
Welcome and Introductions

Alice proposes to accept the minutes from the last ETRA meeting (Jan 2021) as they have been shared, Phil seconds.
There are no objections.
JM ask that the service charges section is brought forward due to her having other obligations at 8pm. Emley suggests that update on issues on the newer block goes first so that JM gets a feel for the sort of issues residents are facing.

4
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

· Update on action points from last meeting: No updates given.
· Play Street – 3 no entry signs promised but never delivered: BT confirms these signs will be installed when she works out who is the best person to do this.
· Cleaning: BD is surprised to hear that people are not happy with the cleaning because he has not received any complaints from Kings Crescent Estate since the last ETRA, 3 months ago.
Christine explains that there is always debris on the play street and that the plants are not looking good. BD explains that his team doesn’t do gardening, issues about plants are for ground maintenance. Emilie raises the problem of dog foul, BD explains that the cleaners pick it up in the morning but will not continue to do so throughout the day. PG raises the issue of the glass panel above the front doors; they are very high and difficult to clean, the cleaners do not seem to have the right tools to clean them so it is rarely cleaned. BD will investigate this. Emilie and Sarah highlights that the carpet gets swept but not hoovered. BD confirms cleaners have hoovers. Sarah will email the cleaning email to raise this.
· ASB updates/concerns: PG says it is great that the red boxes have finally been installed over the fire key holes and asked if the red boxes’ key holes have general keys to open them. BR explains that they are “general” but cannot be bought on amazon or ebay so unlikely to be acquired by unwelcomed visitors. Megan agrees that it is great the red boxes have been installed but without the doors being fixed there are still issues of unwelcomed people entering blocks. BR responds that her team is mindful of this and agrees the doors need to be fixed.
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds: BT asks if a list of addresses could be provided. Emley explains that when it happened before the whole block needed treated and ask why addresses are needed. BT explains that they need addresses before they can do anything.
· Courtyard noise: This is in progress; AR is in contact with the people affected by this and will contact the parents of the identified children.
· Sainsbury’s articulated trucks are now using Murrain Road (outside Wallington Court) to load and unload: BT agrees this is not acceptable and confirms Sainsburys has been made aware of this. She further explains that Sainsburys does have a permit to park in the highway for deliveries.
· Cyber-attack – any further updates: BT confirms that no further information is available. All information is on Hackney’s website. There is an ongoing criminal investigation and that is why no further information can be given. Alice highlights that it is a GDPR requirement that notification is given promptly to those whose personal data may have been at risk through any cyber attack. Therefore, either can Hackney confirm this has already taken place (ie. If no personal notification then our personal data was not at a risk) or confirm when such notification is expected? To note that I first contacted Hackney about this 2-3 months ago.. CP confirms that anyone who had their data breached has already been contacted by Hackney and this was a small number of people.

Find out who should install the no entry signs and instruct them

Investigate what tools could be given to the cleaning team to reach the glass panel above the front doors.

Bronwen Thomas

Billy Dunne

5
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

· Competitive? : No updates on how rates are competitive
· Update on broken meters overcharging residents: Phil asks if anyone from Hackney can respond to this issue even if the Energy Team is not there. He asks about why residents have to wait when the heating goes down, BT says it should not be the case. Phil raises the issues of residents being overcharged for heating. BT says she is still looking at getting someone from the Energy Team to respond to this. Richard highlights that he has been paying over £150 a month and that this is not right for a new build. It was also noted that not all residents are being charged this amount (eg. Sarah Hulcoop highlighted that she is paying significantly less). BT will follow this up with the Energy Team. Phil raises the fact that he has emailed BT, AR and CP to complain about this without getting any responses. He explains that a neighbour had a professional check their flat and the person said that regardless of the temperature the flat was kept at, it is not possible to have bills of over £150/month for heating. Phil highlights that there is one issue about the fact that the quoted rate (per KwH) is high but separately some residents are just being over-charged for their heating.
Emley asks where the money went for these people who has been over-charged for the service received. She also raises that the overpaid money may be lost forever if Hackney is changing heating service supplier. BT says that even if Hackney is changing supplier, they would request that money from the previous supplier if it was found that some people had been overcharges. Phil says that Insite (the current supplier) refuses to talk to residents because Hackney is their client, not the residents. Meanwhile Hackney has told residents to contact Insite with issues over charging. BT will raise all those issues with the Energy Team. CP asked if a question about heating cost could be added to the post-occupancy survey.
· Heat Trust enrolment?: Not covered during the meeting.

Get the Energy Team to provide information on the following points:
1. The heating rates are high and don’t appear to be competitive.
2. Some residents are being massively overcharged, regardless of their usage.
3. Residents seem to be charged twice for maintenance, once in the heating rate and once in the service charge.

Bronwen Thomas

2
Update on Issues in Newer Blocks

Update from BT on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH
· Broken doors: Higgins have done lots of repair works and the responsibility has now been handed over to Hackney’s repair team. There has been 25 repair needs reported since October, but BT is unaware if these have been dealt with yet, they are with the repairs team. There has been 25 other reports or planned work since October, but BT is unaware if these have been dealt with yet. In terms of the loose handles, new handles have been ordered by Hackney and will be tested on a few doors before more can be bought. Phil asks if the doors should not be replaced rather than fixed if they keep breaking whilst being fairly new (Wallington Court’s door breaks on average twice a month). BT is taking the comment onboard and confirms that Hackney is looking at the bigger picture. Megan asks when can residents expect the long-term solution to take place? BT confirms the handles are part of the wider solution and that other things are being looked into. BT will ask an update from the repair team about the wider solutions. Sarah highlights that Chipping Court’s door broke and it took 2 weeks to repair so the problem is not just about the number of doors breaks but also the length of time it takes to fix them. Munevver mentions that the metal gates to the courtyard of the blocks closer to Green Lanes bangs really loudly within the block when shut and that she has reported it several times last year and again two weeks ago. A foam block had been added last year but it was a very temporary fix.
· Slippery courtyard: Courtyards have been cleaned and sealed last summer. Some areas needed further treatment. (The sound cut at this point). Hackney continues to monitor the situation.
· Possible CCTV for bike stores: All bike store in new blocks will have CCTV installed and be monitored by Hackney’s CCTV team. Signs will also be installed to make it explicit that there is CCTV inside the stores.
· Lifts continuing to break: Update from WO: Kimpton Court’s and Sandon Court’s were surveyed, and results are expected soon. The results are expected to be very comprehensive. Alice asks what happens with the lifts of other blocks. WO explains that the results for Sandon and Kimpton Court will inform the solution for the wider estate. Alice mentions that the issue in Barley Court (and elsewhere) is that the emergency button does not work at all & as well as being concerning for residents involved, is this not a potential legal issue for Hackney (eg. Running a lift where the emergency call buttons are inoperable)?. BT was not aware; she will take this back to the service company. Charlotte asks how long this will take. BT says she will raise this as an emergency. Charlotte asks why this has never been raised as an emergency, BT cannot explain why. AR explains that even if residents do not report to the right department, internally Hackney forward the issues to the right department. Residents give several examples where this has not been the case. AR confirms that she will make sure that the issue of emergency button not working will be reported to the right department and she will give an update at the next ETRA.
· Cracks in windows: BT is looking into the window manufacturer to see if people can get these repaired under warranty as this is not normal wear.
· Ventilation system issues: No full update on this but BT is looking into it.
· Post-occupancy evaluation survey of residents: Lots of responses received, WO thanks residents for this. Hackney will be presenting the results at a later ETRA. WO invites all residents who have not responded to the survey yet, to do so.

Get an update about the long-term solution for the broken doors across Phase 2 of the estate and forward it to residents.

Raise, as an emergency, the issue of the faulty lifts’ emergency button with the relevant department and update residents about the outcome

Contact windows manufacturer about windows cracking

Bronwen Thomas

Bronwen Thomas and Annette Reid

Bronwen Thomas

3
Service Charges

JM states that following the discussion about repairs she understands why residents may be angry when receiving their service charges. She then gives the following updates:
· How are Service Charges estimated/calculated: There are different Heads of Charge (cleaning, repair etc.). An average of the last 3 years actual charges is used to estimate the costs for most of these Heads.
· Reason for increase in cost this year:
o Building Insurance: Hackney had a long-term agreement with the current insurance provider which is coming to an end. Hackney went out to tender and because of Grenfel and increased claims done in the last years, the bids were all higher than the existing insurance.
o Heating: There is now a standing charge included for maintenance.
o CCTV: Hackney used to only charge for installation and maintenance but has now decided to also charge for monitoring.
o Bin collection: additional bin hire and collection are required in some estate (not sure if this applies to KC) and the cost has been re-charged to residents.
· How is value for money monitored given ongoing estate issues: For contractor to be employed by Hackney they need to participate to an invitation to tender and one point they have to provide information on is value for money. Furthermore, if the leasehold team notice that a contractor is constantly charging for the same problem to be fixed, then Hackney looks into finding a wider solution.
· Reason for incorrect payments taken for some shared ownership flats (newer blocks): Christine explains that service charges have gone out but not the rent. JM explains that Hackney issued the estimate in March and later that month send notices about the rent but the increase on the rent was not on the notice. Hackney has a duty to give 30 days’ notice before increasing rent and therefore could not take the first payment. Hackney will contact the 53 people affected by this. Christine highlights that it would be nice if someone responded to the email she sent to Hackney about this because she needs to know if she has to keep that money or if it can be spent. Munevver explains that she has received her rent statement and the calculation is wrong. JM apologies and ask that M sends an email to her personally. Megan highlights that when she queries the different Hackney’s departments about what the charges are and they all respond “this comes from our finance team” and this is very frustrating because lots of things do not get fixed despite residents paying for them being fixed and charges are often wrongly calculated. JM apologies about this and explains that with the cyber attack there is a back log of queries and invites everybody to email her directly if they have ongoing issues related to leasehold, including service charges, at judith.morrison@hackney.gov.uk. Phil proposes that a service charge meeting is organised to discuss issues. JM agrees to this; she will arrange the meeting with the TRA chair. PG asks about the Kimpton Court block electricity which has triple in the last year. JM explains that the gas charges are often based on estimate readings rather than actual readings and that when the latter come in the cost can increase substantially for residents. JM states that this is a general explanation, but doesn’t know specifically about Kimpton Court. Emley, who lives in an older block, explains that her block electricity has also gone up massively. JM takes note of this.
· Is there a limit to the amount that service charges can keep increasing by: No there is not but JM informs residents that if they feel the charges are unreasonable, they can contact the first tier tribunal.
JM needs to leave but apologises about all these issues raised this evening and thanks the chair for having invited her.

Contact Emley, the TRA Chair, to organise a service charge meeting between residents and the leasehold team

Judith Morrison

6
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John: SP has not been able to do much recently because of Covid but is hoping to do more soon. Hackney should award the contract for Phase 3 towards the end of the summer/early autumn) and so SP should get more involved with helping residents choosing the contractor and what to do with the community fund that should come from them.

7
Any other business?
Deborah invites all residents to continue to report ASB issues to the relevant email addresses

8
Dates of next meetings & close
All dates are now available for the rest of the year on the website.
ETRA: 14 July @ 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Community Focus Meeting: 10 June @ 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Previous information:
The zoom link for this meeting will be emailed to all who request it (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com)
AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing

Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (Jan 2021)

2
Update on Older Blocks & Wider Estate

· Update on action points from last meeting
· Play Street – 3 no entry signs promised but never delivered.
· Repairs, cleaning, ASB updates/concerns (various blocks)
· Ants in Bramfield/Theobalds
· Courtyard noise
· Sainsbury’s articulated trucks are now using Murrain Road (outside Wallington Court) to load and unload.
· Cyber attack – any further updates?

(Other Hackney departments may also be represented here)
20 mins
Annette Reid Housing Officer
Bianca Rembrandt
Community Safety
Billy Dunne Waste Operations

3
Heating costs in Newer Blocks

· Competitive?
· Update on broken meters overcharging residents.
· Heat Trust enrolment?

10 mins
Energy team
Or Hackney Representative

4
Update on Issues in Newer Blocks

· Update on list of all defects handed over from Higgins to LBH
· Update with ongoing issues:
o Broken doors
o Slippery courtyard
o Possible CCTV for bike stores
o Lifts continuing to break
o Cracks in windows
o Ventilation system issues
· Post-occupancy survey of residents
20 mins
Bronwen Thomas Project Officer Regeneration (Hackney)
And New Build Team

5
Service Charges

· How are Service Charges estimated/calculated?
· Reason for increase in cost this year?
· How is value for money monitored given ongoing estate issues?
· Reason for incorrect payments taken for some shared ownership flats (newer blocks)

Is there a limit to the amount that service charges can keep increasing by?

20 mins
Judith Morrison Head of Leasehold & Right to Buy Services & Emma Adjei Leasehold Services Manager

6
Update from Source Partnership

· Update from John/Carol
5 mins
Source Partnership

7
Any other business?

5mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

8
Dates of next meetings & close

5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

**Please note that this meeting will only deal with estate related issues**
We will have another resident focused meeting in June 2021 to discuss building community on Kings Crescent, ideas for events and activities etc.
Feel free to email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions for community building or to find out more about how to get involved!
Previous information:
Agenda will be published here 8th April 2021. Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com if you have agenda items
(Deadline for agenda items is 9am on 8th April)
The minutes of the previous meeting in January can be seen here

Steering group meeting May 2021
2021-05-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the residents steering group. It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership. The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting
held on 26th May 2021 via Google Meet

Those Present:
Cllr. Brian Bell (BB) (Chair)
Cllr Clare Potter (CP)
5 residents:
EP, JWM, KH, PA, PD

(residents names removed for public version)

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
William Owen (WO)
Carol Squires (CS)
John Morris (JM)
LB Hackney
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1
Apologies were received from residents JG, PS, NJ, TD and AF.
BB asked it to be noted that he would call on Peter Sim and Alfred as they have been unable to attend any meetings since they started to take place remotely.

BB

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 31st March 2021 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as accurate. All matters arising to be discussed on the agenda.

3.0
Phase 3 & 4

3.1
Update on progress with contractor procurement – RG
Week 4 of negotiations has now started with the 2 remaining tenderers. One tenderer dropped out as they were realistic about their likely inability to meet the budget target. The 2 tenderers are very keen to win the work and have devoted a lot of resources to achieve a deliverable programme within budget. Both MDs have been involved, demonstrating commitment from senior managers within the organisations.
RG expects another two rounds of negotiations before a Best & Final Offer in early July; the whole period of negotiation will have taken approx. 8-9 weeks. One challenge the tenderers are facing at the moment is getting commitments from pre-cast concrete suppliers at the necessary price and scale. This illustrates the issue of achieving savings while retaining the integrity of the design. LBH are also looking at alternative specs for the new build in the areas of structural engineering and M&E, so alternative specs for lifts, lighting etc.
Scheduled for the selection of a contractor in July, with internal approvals (including Cabinet) in September. The 2nd stage of the S20 process would be due to complete at the end of August, with stage 3 completing at the end of October. Contracts would be signed in mid November with start on site March 2022.
BB asked which contractor dropped out. RG informed the meeting that it was United Living.

3.2
Site visits

These have been proposed in order for the tenderers to provide some exemplar projects for RSG members and LBH to visit. [One potential contractor] have offered a visit to Thamesmead to illustrate a project that is completed and one on site. [The landlord] are welcoming the opportunity too. RG acknowledged the distance away from Kings Crescent and will talk to [contractor] about other possible options. [Another contractor] have offered sites in Enfield and Lewisham. JM reported that dates being proposed are in w/c 7th June but week day visits are a problem for some residents. BB suggested looking at Saturdays 12th or 26th. He would prefer the same group to be at all visits for consistent comparison. JWM asked if a photographic or video record of the visits could be taken for those who can’t make the dates. RG agreed.

RG

3.3

Feedback from tenderers’ meetings with TRA and Hackney Showroom
RG thanked Emley, Nina and Sam from Hackney Showroom and JM for participating in the ‘added value’ meetings with the contractors. EP felt that both were very open to hearing about what the TRA and HS are planning and seemed responsive to helping meet their aspirations if successful. EP also emphasised the point she made about wishing for early community involvement in fitting out the new community space to be built as part of the new development.

4.0
Unit C update

4.1
WO gave feedback on the new timescales for the fit out. The building contract has been signed off following resolution of a few queries from London Fire Brigade. Contract will be signed tomorrow (27th May). Start on site scheduled for 7th June with estimated completion in 6 weeks. Building Control will need to sign off at the end of the process. Overall completion now likely to be end July/beginning August.

5.0
Phase 1&2 update

5.1
WO gave feedback on the Post Occupancy Evaluation survey. He noted that there were more responses than expected and they were well thought through and articulate. The single biggest group of responses came from shared ownership properties. There was a wide spread of scores by block and by tenure and the message was similar across all. Highlights of the responses included:
· heating and plumbing issues were a common cause of concern
· winter gardens and balconies were generally welcomed
· problems with front doors and bike sheds were also highlighted. (CCTV in bike sheds is due to be installed very soon).
· in terms of services, repairs received the lowest scores (both for speed of completion and confusion over who to contact)
· increases in energy costs a major concern (the Energy Team in LBH are investigating this)
Actions include:
· the problem with the lifts has been identified as overheating in a key part of the mechanism; ventilation measures are being investigated.
· new door handles have been fitted to Kimpton and Sandon
WO felt that although many of the issues are not new to officers, it has been useful to convey to colleagues in other departments the concerns expressed by residents. BB concurred that the exercise has been helpful and it proves that the issues are widespread – not just a few people complaining loudly.
KH asked if LBH are looking at lift issues in all the blocks. WO replied that the assumption now is that the problems experienced in Kimpton and Sandon are common to all blocks. The mitigation measure of installing some extra ventilation is now about identifying where this should be – in the control panel, in the lobby area?
KH added that the lifts are very noisy and he is surprised that these modern lifts do make so much noise. WO explained that the plan is to solve the overheating problem, isolate that as an issue then look at other factors.
EP expressed concern at the number of people still reporting that the emergency button is not working and are still getting stuck in the lift. It is frustrating that experts apparently confirm that the lifts are ok while residents know there are still problems.
KH mentioned that although signs in lifts say not to call the Fire Brigade in case of emergency, if the lift engineer is e.g. 2 hours away, people will call the FB.

6.0
TRA update

6.1
EP reported on recent meetings. There has been an ETRA meeting since the last RSG. One outcome was a promised separate meeting with Leasehold Services. BB agreed to help chase the leasehold section for a further meeting.
Another major issue that arose was the ongoing concerns over electric meters overcharging. RG stated that problems are made complex by the need to bring together so many departments within the Council. Regen is not necessarily the best team to resolve these. BB acknowledged the time it takes to resolve problems.
There is a community activity-oriented TRA meeting on 10th June and an AGM in September. New committee members would be very welcome.

BB

7.0
ITLA update

7.1
CS reported back. Source had hoped to be able to be back on site; Community Halls Team were slow to respond to our Risk Assessment and request to be allowed back into the Vince Murrain CC office. BB to take this up with Community Halls.
CP asked if the capping off of the sewer pipe was still a problem. JWM said she saw someone around the rear of the centre, so they could have been fixing this. WO to investigate if this work has been carried out.

BB

WO

8.0
Any urgent business

8.1
None

9.0
Date of next meeting

9.1
27th July 2021, 7.00. We will seek advice nearer the date if it will be possible to meet in person.
EP asked if the Stage 2 S20 Notices will have gone out by the time of the next meeting. RG replied that, technically on current timescales, yes but cannot be guaranteed. In any event there will be an update on the process at the meeting.

Community meeting June 2021
2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
This community meeting hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
This meeting will be held online via Zoom
Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com to be sent the Zoom link to access the meeting

Minutes:
Chair of meeting: Emley Pine (KCTRA)
Residents of Kings Crescent Estate present: 6
In attendance: From:

Nina Love
Hackney Showroom

John Morris
Source Partnership

Cllr Clare Potter
Brownswood Ward Councillor

Apologies recieved from 6 residents

Agenda Item
Action

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Clare proposes to approve the minutes from March 2021, Emley seconds.

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates by Emley
· Upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Next community meeting is in September, a few members are stepping down so if anyone is interested to join the committee, please come forward. The position of secretary will be vacant but if anyone is interested to any other named roles (being Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer) all current members holding these positions are happy to change role. It would be good to have a hand-over so if anyone wants to join the committee please do come forward soon so that we can start this process. Please contact the committee if you are interested or want to ask any questions about the role (KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com)
· The next “in-person” meetings are likely to still have a Zoom option and perhaps a film being played in the second room of Unit C with a volunteer to look after children for residents who would like to attend the meetings but cannot due to child care responsibilities.
· Work has started at Unit C!
· Homework club is restarting in the Vince Murrain Community Centre. Once Unit C is ready, it will move there. The TRA still has budget from the original grant (for running it last year but it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions) so this can be used this to run the club until December. If the club is popular the TRA will apply for further grants to continue the homework club next year.
· The TRA has now taken control of the allotments located in the middle courtyard. All plot holders have been written to to inform them of the change of management. Hackney has commissioned the construction of eight new plots which are now built. Unattended plots will also be reallocated and so in total about 11 plots will be given to people on the waiting list. Four plots will be retained as communal plots for kids (and adults) to plant seeds during gardening events and for a planting a communal herb garden.
· On 20 June there will be a seeds swap gardening event. The TRA is hoping to instigate a monthly gardening event for every gardener on the estate, not just allotment holders. All information will be on the website.
· The Black Live Matters film project ran by a resident and partly funded by the TRA has started, the trailer will be shared once ready.
· An art event for kids should happen in October half term. Gustavo, an artist from Lisbon will be coming to deliver this with Andrew. Further funding is being applied for to add to the money already allocated from the 20/21 ‘community development fund’.
· Update on Hackney Resident Participation Team – The team is still in the process of restructure and are recruiting for the new positions. Siovhan has now left the team and Emma Harrison is back from maternity leave. To contact their team email: Get.Involved@hackney.gov.uk

3
Hackney Showroom Update by Nina

· Work started at Unit C on 8 June and is going fast. The contractor is very friendly and professional. Work should take 4 to 6 weeks. There will be drilling works but the contractor is aware that residents from that particular building may be sensitive because they have had issues before. Nina will try to let the TRA and Clissold Quarter Facebook group know when that work is planned so residents are aware.
· HS has started a newsletter for Kings Crescent and the wider community and invites the TRA to let them know if they want to advertise any events through that channel.
· There will be a Street Party on 14 August with live bands and DJs, soft play outside, food stalls, a bar. HS is looking for volunteers on the day but also in the days leading to the event for making decorations: anyone with a sewing machine or just willing to do some craft is welcomed to help. HS is also looking for volunteers to come for one hour in the morning for the party to help with putting the decorations up. HS is also looking for volunteers to slow down the traffic on the day, the job would be to stand with a hi-vis and invite motorists to go around the estate or to help them cross the Play Street safely.
· Nina invites the TRA to have a stall on the street during the Street Party to advertise themselves and recruit new committee members.
· There will be a free Disco Loco children’s library run by a volunteer from the estate. Weekly lending book event but also activities relating to literature, this will be officially launched during the Street Party.
· A week of activity for 8- to 11-year-olds will be happening during the summer holidays. Funding is being requested to extend the project to two weeks. Different artists will be entertaining the children and activities such as den-building and canoeing will be taking place.
· In the Autumn will start a weekly lunch club for over 50s on Fridays. HS is recruiting volunteers to help for this lunch club and to join a befriending scheme.
· In September there will be a community meal happening to replace the one that got cancelled last year due to the Covid restrictions: ‘Kings Feast’ with activities such as quiz, bingo, live acts etc. HS hopes to repeat the event in December and March.
· HS is currently raising money to have a youth street worker to get to know the local kids and find out what activities and events they would want to have running here.
· HS has got funding to run 2 sets of activities for teenagers’, with a view to getting more funding to extend this project.
· The young actor’s programme will re-start in autumn.
· HS has also got funding for pre-school Disco Loco on Friday mornings, there will be soft play and a disco. One session for under 1’s and another for 1-5 year olds.
Nina to let the TRA and Clissold Quarter Facebook group know when the drilling work is planned.

4
Open Conversation

Ideas discussed: A leaflet could be done for advertising the TRA during the Street Party, tote bag with the Kings Crescent Estate picture designed by the lady who designed our logo could also be distributed. Jill will ask her daughter if she can arrange this and will come back with prices for different options.
Menekse will ask the Turkish community if there is anything they would like to see happening during this Street Party and will let Emley know.
HS will soon have a Turkish speaking person who can take call and answer emails in Turkish!
Jill to share prices and options from her daughter in regard to KCE branded stuff to hand-out during Street Party.
Menekse to share with the TRA if the Turkish community would like to see anything in particular during Street Party

5
Source Partnership Update by John Morris

Two meetings with contractors tendering for the next phase of the regeneration have taken place. The contractors’ social value team met with Emley and Hackney Showroom who explained to them what we are doing here so that they can come up with a good community plan to submit with their tender. Both contractors are very willing and have lots of good ideas. One contractor should be chosen by the end of the summer but the choice needs to go through internal approval so the contract should be signed in November with works starting in March 2022.
SP is going back to the Vince Murrain Centre on Mondays 1-3pm from 21 June and on Wednesdays 4-6pm until 26 July during a slightly staggered period. A newsletter is going out next week with the details.

6
Any other business
Jill will be doing a charity sky-dive for Mind in August/September and ask if she can share her giving page on the facebook page. Emley agrees. Some of the money will go to Mind Hackney.
Nina mentions that next year HS would like to hold a KC conference for local artists, businesses etc. to discuss dreams and vision for the community. They hope to run this activity every year.
Clare chairs the Finsbury Park Trust who is also running a conference about bringing the Finsbury Park community together. KC may want to engage with this kind of conference. Claire will let the TRA know once more details are available.
Emley is attending an event next week organised by Hackney CVS (#FairerHackney) on emotional health: https://crm.hcvs.org.uk/civicrm/event/info
Dates of next meetings & close
20 June – Gardening Event 11.30am-1.30pm
30 June @ 7pm – Service Charge Meeting (Zoom)
14 July @7pm – ETRA Meeting with Hackney Representatives (Zoom)
14 August – Disco Loco Street Party 12-6pm
11 September – Kings Crescent Feast (indoor)
15 September – TRA Community Meeting and AGM (committee will be elected)
All details of meetings and events can be found here: https:/events-and-meetings/

Additional information:

Please note that the next meeting for discussing estate related issues with Hackney is in July 2021.
See https:/ for details of upcoming events and minutes of previous meetings.
To get in touch with the committee: Email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com call/text/WhatsApp 07925668497 Social Media: @KingsCrescentN4

Previous information:
Featuring:

Updates from the TRA committee
Updates from Hackney Showroom, Source Partnership and Hackney’s Resident Participation Team
An opportunity to share your opinion and ideas

Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December each year.
There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.

AGENDA

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome and Introductions
· Approve minutes from March 2021
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
· Upcoming AGM
· Planed events & activities
· Update on Hackney Resident Participation Team
15 mins
Emley

3
Hackney Showroom Update
15 mins
H.S

· Progress on building work to transform the space
· Planned events and activities

4
Open Conversation
40 mins
Residents

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.

5
Source Partnership Update
5 mins
S.P

Recent activity and latest plans for phases 3&4 of KC development

6
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close
10 mins
Emley
