1972 - 2010
Now in its 39th year
Reg. Charity No. 1046082
Part-funded by Lewisham Council
Postal Address:
The Ringway Centre
268 Baring Road,
Grove Park,
London SE12 0DS
(opposite Coopers Lane)
CONTENTS
________________
CONTACT INFORMATION
All enquiries to the
Centre Manager
Mr Paul Beresford
Tel: (020) 8857 7980
email addresses:
(for hiring enquiries only) paul268ringwaycentre
(for Community Group)
The Grove Park Community Group
at the
RINGWAY CENTRE
Local News
● London & Quadrant Housing Trust
In July 2008 London & Quadrant, a housing association, took control of Lewisham’s housing assets in Grove Park. This took place only after a long process which culminated in a ballot of all Lewisham’s tenants in Grove Park. This ballot produced a large majority in favour of the transfer.
The reason this transfer was necessary is that much of the housing was in desperate need of renovation, as they had sub-standard kitchens, bathrooms, heating and windows. The Government requires all social housing to be brought up to what is called the “Decent Homes Standard” by 2010. Under current legislation local authorities are not only not allowed to borrow money to pay for this work but must also give almost all housing revenue account income (rents) to the Treasury. This leaves nothing to carry out these essential improvements. However, housing associations can borrow money, as this is not regarded as being part of the National Debt.
Since the transfer, L&Q, as they are usually known, have made considerable progress in carrying out the required improvements in these areas. By early 2010 all houses and flats needing new double-glazed windows will have had them replaced. Work on the most urgent kitchens and bathrooms started earlier last year, and all work will be finished by the end of this year. While this is going on, work is also being carried out to modernise lifts and, where necessary, update electrical wiring and heating systems.
At the time of transfer there were a great many outstanding routine repairs to be dealt with. Within a couple of months L&Q had dealt with the backlog and repairs are now carried out as they arise. L&Q have their own call centre at Sidcup that deals with all resident enquiries, from repairs to rents and service charges, and there is an out-of-hours emergency number.
L&Q firmly believe that their residents are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their homes, and so have a very effective dedicated team to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Part of the transfer was the W.G. Grace Community Centre in Lions Close which also needs refurbishing. L&Q are having discussions with centre users and local residents to get their opinions on what should be done to improve this community centre.
Michael Hill