Burleigh Mansions Residents' Association

Recently we held our tenth annual general meeting. A very good turnout of tenants spent most of the time commiserating with each other about the disturbance of the continuing remodelling and refurbishment work to our block. This has brought noise, dust, dirt and inconvenience into our lives for over two years.

The local mice can't have been pleased either for we have been plagued with their visits. We have managed to negotiate financial compensation for some of the tenants who will lose the use of the lift for ten weeks during it's total modernisation.

After only a few days of being put in service, the new lift - and four flats -were seriously flooded from the new mains water tank on the roof. The new lift will be out of action for some weeks to enable new electronics to be fitted. We keep telling ourselves that all this work must surely be coming to an end soon! Our next struggle will be when an application is made to the Rent Officer for a new (presumably higher) rent for the improvements to the common parts which (it is said) have improved the market rental value of the flats. There will be a certain irony if we have to pay extra for all the inconvenience we have suffered.

There are fewer regulated tenants in our block and we have invited those remaining in Talbot House and at 20 Charing Cross Road, (our neighbouring blocks owned by the same freeholders, the Gascoyne-Cecil Estate) to join an enlarged association.

We have protested against local planning applications made to extend opening hours and to create night cafés. We are due to attend a hearing in July in which we oppose the Café Savannah in Charing Cross Road, right next door to our front door, who wish to open until 4 a.m. We are sceptical whether the new Leicester Square proposals will successfully reduce the late-night loutish and uncouth behaviour in the area.

It is good to know that the CGCA is there to support us and when we need advice. We are always grateful for their continuing efforts on behalf of local residents.

Selwyn Hardy, Chair

 

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