AGM 2021-01-13 - House Group Chair's Report

Chair’s Report BJHG AGM 13.01.2021

The Pandemic

We were faced with stockpiling, shortage of essentials, shortage of delivery slots and the dangers to vulnerable groups posed by shopping other than online. In BJH a volunteer group, to whom we owe much thanks, was set up to help those in need.

The effect of the pandemic on BEO staff was that illness and isolation meant shortages and the cleaning routines were changed to focus on more frequent cleaning of surfaces likely to transmit the virus. Rubbish collections were reduced and the Car Park Attendants were faced with a deluge of deliveries as residents switched to online services. BEO office hours were also greatly reduced.

Zero Emission Zone

At the same time Beech Street was set up as an experimental Zero Emission Zone. The reduction in traffic caused by lockdown has made it difficult to measure accurately the effect of the trial.

The closing of the Golden Lane and Bridgewater St. junctions means longer journeys for vehicles to reach our car park and on the South side of Beech St there have been access problems. The BA is trying to negotiate acceptable solutions.

Podium activities/ASB

There has been ongoing concern and outrage about the disturbance, alarm, damage and flouting of rules caused by groups cycling, skateboarding and free running outside BJH.

In attempting to gain some control, we have been in contact with the BEO security officer, the chair of the BA security committee and Barbican Centre security. The situation is, that together with the CoL Police, they are working on setting up a uniform method for residents to report incidents.

In the meantime the contact numbers displayed on the notice boards should be used and we must press for urgent installation of clear well placed notices about prohibited activities.

Redecorations

We had expected both external and internal redecoration to be underway by 2021, and the City has appointed a contractor to carry these out. The delay on the internal redecs is connected to the need for all our front doors to be replaced after they failed the post Grenfell Tower tests. It has been agreed that the replacements will be paid for by the City of London, but until they are installed internal redecs will not take place. I do not know the current plan for the external redecs.

Service Charge information shows a substantial increase this year and concerns about this should be addressed to Michael Bennett, Director at BEO.

Prior Weston School

Improvements to the MUGA (multi use games area) have been installed, including the floodlights, which we had opposed. Fortunately, a change of plan resulted in 6 instead of 4 lights of lower intensity and at a lower level.

We are told that residents in BJH have not found them intrusive and the new Headteacher, with whom we have established a positive relationship, has assured us that they will not be in use after 6pm.

The school is applying for retrospective Planning Permission for the new lights. It is pleasing to see that resident requests that were denied at the original planning meeting i.e. the green wall and sound absorbing surface, have in fact been installed to good effect in reducing noise.

Thanks are due to Fiona Lean for her part in keeping us abreast of RCC and BRC business, to Wendy Spurry for her part in liaising with the Barbican Centre, the Gardens Group and with Prior Weston School, to Kevin for his secretarial role and to Stephen as Treasurer.

I also want to thank other committee members for their active participation and help, as well as volunteers, who have generously continued to manage the BJH blog as well as our membership arrangements.

I am stepping down as Chair, but will be happy to assist the new Chair when elected at our next Committee meeting. It has been an eventful time and an honour to hold this post.

Helen Hulson
Chair, Ben Jonson House Group