Homeowners in green space fury
Residents want areas maintained until factor found
Residents of a Cambuslang new-build estate say the builder must maintain the green space within the development until a permanent factor for the scheme can be found.
Homeowners in the Lairds Gate estate were told just two weeks ago that building company Bellway had ceased to be responsible for the upkeep of common areas on April 1, 2016.
And while the arrangement was documented in the title deeds of the properties, signed by many up to nine years ago, residents are furious at the way the transfer has been finalised.
Homeowners say they received a letter from Newton Property Services to state Bellway had proposed it take over as factor for the green space.
The letter, issued 10 days before a meeting on Saturday, May 21, stated the proposal would proceed should the majority of homeowners not oppose it.
Angela Bilsland, who bought her home in the first phase of the development seven years ago, said: “Bellway have walked away from this and not given us any notice to say this will be a liability for us. I have lived here for seven years and this is the first it has been communicated to us.
“We knew at some point it would happen and prior to this there was a factor charge. That was fine, but to not tell you six months ago what was happening is wrong.
“There has been no conversation and they have not allowed us to develop a strategy to tackle this.”
Angela added: “We have not ruled out Newton Property Services. We are planning to get together some quotes and ask them to do a presentation.
“At the meeting they were very informed and clearly they knew what they were doing.
“The feeling is Bellway should still be maintaining the area until this situation is resolved. By the time the companies go out and look at the land and get a quote together and submit that, it will take time and ultimately if you get presentations as well that could take three months. In the meantime no one is cutting grass or hedges or weeding.”
A spokeswoman for Bellway, which built 100 houses in the Newton Farm area, said: “Bellway appointed Newton Property Services a number of years ago to undertake the factoring services at Lairds Gate in Cambuslang. At the time of purchase residents would have been made aware of the appointment by their solicitor and within their title deeds.
“However, if after a period of time residents are unhappy with the level of service offered they can form a quorum and following a majority vote, can appoint an alternative factor. Bellway do not provide factoring services.”