Chair’s Report: It was lovely to see such a good turnout at the recent AGM. The following is a version of the report I gave at the meeting.

As you may have noticed, we’re experiencing some challenges with the new waste system. There have been issues with missed collections, confusion about pickup points, and problems with food waste collection. We’re actively working to resolve these issues and have requested a meeting with Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) to address our concerns. In the meantime, you can help by registering missed collections on the council’s website, and if you do not see an improvement, please file a formal complaint with WBC. There are relevant links on the Waste Collection page of the Co-op website, or you can head directly to the council’s site.

On a brighter note, we’re pleased to welcome two new handymen to our estate. They’ve already made great progress with fencing, bush trimming, shed work, and lighting improvements.

Following a series of vandalisms to the front door of 1-11 Chesterton Close, WBC are planning to install an extra security camera facing the building to enhance safety. We hope this will reassure residents and reduce the additional costs incurred.

We’ve also encountered some issues with Santos Road building contractors damaging our property and trampling plants. We’re addressing this by installing “No Trespassing/Private Property” signs with contact information. WBC are liaising with an owner who has caused significant damage and will be taking legal action if it’s not rectified. If you notice any suspicious activity, please alert the committee or staff.

In other news, we’re excited about the nearly completed Secret Garden behind 2-38E. Look out for news about a Grand Opening. Recall, we have developed this area as a calm, dog-free space to be enjoyed by residents. The gate will be locked, and residents can request the code from the office if they would like access.
A revised business plan is also nearing completion after the previous one was interrupted by Covid. It will soon be available on our website.

Lastly, we want to remind everyone about the upcoming ballot for Co-op status renewal in October. We’ll share more information about this important vote in due course.

See the 2023 AGM Minutes here.

Finance Report: We’re pleased to let you know, our recent audit report has given us a clean bill of health, confirming that our financial statements provide a true and fair view of our co-op’s affairs. The auditors have expressed no concerns and highlighted no weaknesses, which is a testament to our sound financial management.

This year, we’re happy to report a surplus of £9,576 after taxation. Our income from annual allowances saw a modest increase from £147k to £151k. While our expenditure was higher this year at £148k (compared to £121k last year) due to increased maintenance costs and inflationary pressures, we’ve managed to offset some of this by earning more interest on our bank deposits – £4,616 compared to last year’s £898.

Our cash balance has decreased from £475K to £274K, largely due to repaying Wandsworth for cyclical works. However, this remains a healthy balance, especially considering Wandsworth will now be responsible for the tenants’ portion of these works going forward. This decision should save us money given the current high contractor prices. As a result, our reserves have adjusted from £424K to £231K.

Overall, we’re in a strong financial position and are committed to maintaining this stability moving forward.

Check your hedges, trees and bushes: With such an abundance of rain recently, the hedges and bushes on the estate have grown a great deal. Please check the hedges or plants on your own property, and if they are overhanging and making it awkward for pedestrians to pass, make sure you cut them back as soon as possible.

Landings and Fire Regulations: In recent years, fire and safety regulations have been overhauled and updated. The Co-op is therefore bound by much stricter rules than in the past. This includes ensuring all fire exit routes are clear at all times. Office and Council staff check these routes regularly and will ask residents to remove items immediately. Everyone is permitted to have a doormat and a small plant. No other items, including rubbish, should be left on the landings. We appreciate your help and understanding with this matter.

New Committee Members

The committee would like to welcome three new members: Gill Chapple, Peter Hand and Patrick Mitchell. We hope you will join us in thanking our latest additions to the team for their time and commitment. Our status as a Co-op, which results in lower service charges and a more cohesive sense of community, is entirely reliant on volunteers signing up for a stint on the committee. New members bring fresh energy and new skills and we’re looking forward to working together in the weeks and months to come.

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REMAINING MEETING DATES
Tuesday 15th October
6.30pm
Management
Tuesday 26th November
6.30pm
Management
Tuesday 3rd December
7.00pm
General

PLEASE NOTE: These dates are subject to change. Details including a Zoom link for those who find it easier to join remotely are usually included on the agenda and in email notifications.