It's with deep frustration and ongoing concern that we once again find ourselves addressing an issue that not only perplexes but also underscores the inadequacy of GreenSquareAccord in meeting the fundamental needs of its residents.
Reflecting on past correspondences, this one issue dates back to January 2023, so amongst a litany of unresolved concerns including, but not limited to, lift failures, neglected grounds, unclean communal areas, security lapses, service charge hikes, and woeful communication gaps – the list seems interminable. But what are we concerned about today? An issue that strikes at the very core of habitability: sewage.
For a comprehensive understanding, you can delve into the details here.
Allow me to offer you a current snapshot through visual evidence – a slideshow and accompanying video.
As you can see, multiple leaks are seeping into the foundations and concrete of our residential block. Some are clearly emanating from sewage pipes, while others remain shrouded in ambiguity. This uncertainty isn't due to any lack of effort on our part; it underscores our reliance on GreenSquareAccord, our landlord, to promptly address plumbing issues. After all, we pay a service charge to them, expecting that they will recruit experts equipped with vans stocked with the required tools to expertly resolve such issues, surely?
We've seen their boasts in their monthly updates about their prompt repairs within 24 hours for urgent matters and 28 days for non-urgent ones. However, the reality doesn't match their rhetoric. How do we know? Well, just take a look at the email exchanges where issues are closed without resolution.
On 1 Mar 2024, at 15:41, GreenSquareAccord Customer Services <info@greensquareaccord.co.uk> wrote:
Good Afternoon *********,
Thank you for your email regarding the communal leak. I apologise for the delay in my response.
I have checked the information ******* has provided and the earliest report we had of this leak on our repairs system was on the 23rd February and then as an out of hours repair on the 24th February which is when it was completed. I apologise that if it was discovered on the 15th February it wasn't raised at this time. I am pleased to hear the issue is resolved.
If you there is anything else I can help with, please let me know.
Kind Regards
****************
Customer Service Officer
T 0300 111 7000
Do you still trust the figures as published by GreenSquareAccord? And of course the issue isn’t resolved but still ongoing.
On 27 Feb 2024, at 13:25, GreenSquareAccord Customer Services <info@greensquareaccord.co.uk> wrote:
Good Afternoon ***********,
Thank you for your email regarding this leak and my apologies for the delay in my response
I can see this was raised on 24/02 and has now been completed on 24/02
If there is anything else I can help with please do not hesitate to contact me
Kind Regards
*****************
Customer Service Officer
T 0300 111 7000
What about now? Another case of limited or restricted knowledge?
From: GreenSquareAccord Customer Services <info@greensquareaccord.co.uk>
Date: 15 February 2024 at 14:54:07 GMT
To: sallyfriz@icloud.com
Subject: RE: Maureen Christian house oxford [#A258BA]Good Afternoon ********.
Thank you for your email regarding the leak, I apologise for the delayed response.
Unfortunately I am unable to view the attachment you've sent to show the leak.
So I can get this raised. please can you confirm where the leak is coming from? Is it from the roof or from a pipe on the side of the building? I do apologise for the inconvenience however I will need a little bit more information.
If it is going near electrics, please call the Contact Centre on 0300 111 7000 so an emergency repair can be raised.
If there's anything else I can help with please do get in touch.Kind Regards
***********
Customer Service Officer
T 0300 111 7000
Technical or training issues, valid excuse or just far too convenient? This is what happens when trust is lost, doubt creeps into every interaction.
And when residents manage to escalate matters, hoping for a solution from supposedly qualified individuals, the response is equally disheartening. Oxford residents have shared photos and videos countless times, only to be met with dismissive replies. It's astonishing – makeshift fixes like guttering to divert water, a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. The Home Ownership Officer's feeble response (his latest) only add insult to injury, I’d be too ashamed to take the wage myself, but that’s just me…
So while water and sewage are clearly causing issues, as long as we aren’t knee-deep, it won’t be classed as urgent. Bearing in mind GreenSquareAccord have been aware of these issues since January 2023. There have been blocked pipes, slow-draining water, and one flat backed up with raw sewage, yet our landlord is unable to resolve or even take it seriously. Is it fair to refer to them at this point as a ‘slum landlord’?
The impending inspection slated for May 15th offers a glimmer of hope, albeit tinged with skepticism. What revelations will it unearth? How much structural integrity has been compromised by water damage? Are we alone in grappling with sewage leaks, or do other communities share our plight?
These questions linger, demanding answers and accountability from Ruth Cooke and her team at GreenSquareAccord. Together, let's seek resolution and ensure that the basic rights of residents are upheld. Updates to follow…