We will have a contractor RS Services working in Leat Close tomorrow and this week to carry out a health check and full clean on our drainage system.
This involves lifting all manhole chambers and carrying out high-water-pressure-jetting on all primary and secondary foul drains. Removing any debris from drains and restoring full flows before a CCTV check is carried out. Also checking condition off all manhole chambers and covers.
Any defects found will be recorded, footage will be sent to the committee via email link with report of defect and recommendation or quote for any required works.
Please can you respect social distancing towards the contractors while they are on site.
Many thanks, Leat Close Management Association Ltd
The Leat Close Management Association Limited Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday 20th February at the Church House opposite Great St. Mary’s Church in Sawbridgeworth. The AGM is where residents can voice their concerns or opinions on how the Leat Close estate is being run.
Meeting Overview
The meeting began with a short welcome speech by Richard – our Chairman, and an introduction of all the board members in attendance Caroline – Secretary, Matt – Treasurer, Karyn – Grounds and Maintenance, Brenda – Director and Dean – Communications and Advisor. Laura – Committee Member was also officially announced as part of the committee and it was also mentioned that June has sadly stepped down.
All residents were sent copies of the minutes from the previous AGM so the minutes were agreed without the need for them being read. The meeting had a very low turn out of residents which we saw as a good sign, as it means people are happy and content and we must doing things right as a committee. Nobody in attendance had any further matters arising or concerns from the previous AGM minutes.
Message from the Chairman
There are challenges as always which go in cycles and therefore we always need a reserve in our funds. The main expenses we encounter are maintenance, grounds and the annual buildings insurance renewal. Recycling becoming a bigger issue, as certain rubbish (plastic bags) is not being put in the correct bins, and as you will see from time to time bins are not collected because of this. There was a spate of vandalism on the security light’s, but this seems now to have stopped.
Financial Update from the Treasurer
The accounts were circulated along with the invitation to the meeting for 2018/2019 financial year. The Treasurer reported that last year we made an unexpected profit as some payments should have been made and have fallen into this the next financial year. Also a factor was the cycle of the Painting Program as there was less expenditure on this. This year there will be slightly more spent on painting and wall repairs which are due to be completed. We still have a healthy buffer to help cover any unforeseen expenses should they arise.
Nominations and Re-elections
There were no new nominations and all members were re-elected.
Matters Arising from the AGM 2020
It was clarified that parking in the turning bay is not a legal offence as it is a white line and not a yellow line, but this can cause an obstruction. We ask that residents do please adhere to “No Parking, Keep Clear” signs for this reason.
Residents are invited to attend the Leat Close Management Association Limited Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20th February 2020 at a different venue from previous years, it’s taking place at the Church House, (opposite Great St. Mary’s Church car park, next to the entrance gate) commencing at 7.30pm.
Attendance at the AGM is important, and this applies to both owners and tenants. It is your opportunity to air any views and concerns you have regarding the estate. You will have been sent a copy of last years minutes as well as a copy of the LCMA accounts for the year 2018-2019.
We look forward to seeing you. If you need to get in touch please contact us below:
The Leat Close Management Association Limited (LCMA) are responsible for looking after and maintaining the exteriors of all the properties within the estate along with the grounds, the private residents car parks and any other communal areas, in accordance with the Leasehold agreement (see map of the area we manage). Our full list of responsibilities can be found here: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/lcma-responsibilities/
Bin Use and Recycling
The black bins are for non-recycling household waste and minimal garden waste
There are two types of blue bins, one is exclusively for paper, the other is for mixed recycling (please read labels on the side of the bins for details on what recycling is accepted).
Plastic bags or polythene should NOT be placed in any of the blue bins.
Larger items must be taken to the local recycling and waste centre and not left in the bin areas.
Here is an example of what is NOT acceptable (this has appeared in Bin Area 1 in the last few days) the cost of having this removed will unfortunately be added to the annual maintenance fee all because of one persons inconsiderate actions:
Parking in Leat Close
The LCMA are responsible for the five car parks/garage courts in the estate. We don’t have any jurisdiction over the public highway, but we do encourage you to be courteous and considerate when parking.
Please do NOT park on the grass areas at any time. We put a lot of time, effort and money into keeping the grounds looking nice and any cost for damage incurred by someone parking on the grass will be passed on to the resident/tenant responsible.
Smoking in Communal Areas is Not Permitted
Smoking is not permitted in any communal areas including shared porches as referred to in Part One of the Health Act 2006 – updated in 2015 – that states “all common parts of flats and communal accommodation must be smoke-free”. Read the full statement here: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/smoking-in-communal-areas-is-not-permitted/
Washing Lines
Additional washing line holes have been added around the estate, suitable for rotary washing lines. They are all communal and therefore shared. Washing lines must be collapsed and covered when not in use. If you need an additional washing line hole near your flat then please contact us. Read detailed information here: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/washing-line-rules/
Shared Spaces and Communal Areas
Just a little reminder to all residents to please keep communal areas and shared spaces free from clutter as they not to be used as a storage area. Please use your garage to store your items instead.
Buildings and Grounds Update
The painting schedule is well underway this year for blocks 1 & 2, and garage court 3 (full schedule is available here). Fences and walls have also been scheduled for repair, along with the usual tree cutting/trimming and the bi-weekly grass cutting.
Contact Us
If you would like to contact us about any issues mentioned above or for any other reason, please email us using: help@leatclose.org.uk and to prevent emails from me being accidentally filtered into your Junk Mail folder please add this email to your Safe Senders list.
