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81
Chester House.
Privet hedge.—A petition was received from the residents of these flats calling attention
to the fact that as a result of the building frontage being open to the public, considerable annoyance
was caused by neighbouring children making a general playground of the forecourt, and
finding their way up the staircase and to the courtyard at the rear. In order to remedy this
nuisance, instructions were given for the planting of a privet hedge along the boundary and returns
to the entrance.
Proposed pram sheds.—The petition from the residents (referred to in the previous paragraph)
also called attention to the inconvenience arising from the absence of pram sheds. Estimates
were obtained for the erection of sheds in the courtyard, and submitted to the Ministry
for their approval. The Ministry suggested a much cheaper form of building which the Committee
considered would not prove desirable, and decided to defer the matter until the Brookfield
Estate was occupied, when the whole question could be considered together.
" Una House," Prince of Wales Road.
Opening of flats.—These flats were formally opened by the Mayor, Councillor T. W.
McCormack, J.P., on the 25th February, 1922. The tenants took up possession early in March.
In selecting tenants for the scheme, which comprises five 2-room fiats, thirty-four 3-room flats
and twenty-five 4-room flats, the same methods were applied as in the case of the Brookfield
Estate referred to previously.
The scheme was designed by Messrs. Ashley and Newman, F.F.R.I.B.A., and the flats
erected by Messrs. Chessums, Ltd., of Tottenham.
Certain minor improvements have been carried out since the buildings were occupied.
The Architects were requested to obtain estimates for fixing lead drips or alternatively, slate
creasings, over the windows of the top floors, owing to complaints from the tenants that the rain
beats in. Lead aprons were included in the original scheme, but were omitted by the Ministry.
The Architects expressed the opinion that the suggested remedy would be both difficult and
costly to carry out, and that it would not be possible to do the work effectively. They suggested
that the brickwork should be treated with a special solution which renders it waterproof, and
instructions were given for the work to be carried out. It is proposed to ask the Ministry's
consent to the expenditure which will be incurred.
For some time past the Committee have had under consideration the maintenance of the
hot water supply. At the present time a full hot water service is available from approximately
9 a.m. till 8 p.m., which entails continual attendance from 7.30 a.m. till 8 p.m. Temporary
arrangements were made whereby the Boiler Attendant and the Caretaker worked the plant
together. The expenditure already incurred for the hot water supply has been extremely heavy,
and the Committee are endeavouring to arrange for the supply to be maintained without further
cost.
Rentals.
The following table gives the accommodation and the rents of the Assisted Housing
Schemes agreed to by the Council after prolonged negotiations with the Ministry :—
(10495)
L