Let’s see faster action for tenants

Curo needs to respect both its tenants and its non-tenants.

I was contacted this week by a resident of Uphill Drive in Lambridge.

She is very concerned because she says Curo will not address urgent issues that put her husband, a wheelchair user, at risk. This, she says, is despite having contacted their Estates Department some months ago.

The footpath that leads to their front door is badly lit - one of the lampposts has not been working since January. The uneven ground in the pitch dark is very unsafe.

In addition there is the problem of wet, slippery leaves left rotting on the paths throughout the winter – a real hazard for the elderly and those with mobility problems gaining access to their homes.

A number of self-seeded trees are growing tall behind her property and will block out her light in a few years’ time. Why does Curo not take action?

Like many others, Uphill Drive is a housing estate with a mix of Curo and privately owned properties.

The complainant is not a Curo resident, but nevertheless is affected badly by the housing association’s poor maintenance. I have advised her to talk to her neighbours who rent from Curo who are also at risk.

Will it make a difference if Curo tenants complain? I have talked to many Curo residents all over Lambridge and they all say the same thing – you can complain as much as you like, but expect to wait a very long time for anything to be done.

If Curo won’t respect their own tenants, why would they respect non-tenants living in the same estate?

I have heard that Curo is hoping to improve its reputation by working with a group of residents, identifying issues and making recommendations. This is very welcome and a big step in the right direction.

Meanwhile – please mend the lamppost and sweep up those wet leaves before someone has a bad fall!

Jane Samson Bath Labour Party Lambridge