Don't flush those wet wipes!

From the BEO:

---

Please consider what you flush
 

Unfortunately this week has seen another pipe blockage occur on the estate. As you can imagine these incidents are very unpleasant and stressful for both the residents affected and the staff who work to rectify the issue.

Please consider what you are flushing down your toilets, wipes are one of the biggest causes of blockages in pipes, and go on to cause flooding on the estate.

Wipes are often labelled as ‘flushable’, but regardless of any claims on packaging, wipes should never be flushed down the toilet as they are not compatible with our plumbing system. We kindly request that you, your guests, subtenants, or private cleaners refrain from flushing them down the toilet.

Our plumbing system, equipped with cast iron pipes, is particularly susceptible to snagging on anything other than toilet paper due to naturally occurring material imperfections which can easily lead to blockages and subsequent issues. The consequences of these blockages extend beyond inconvenience, causing significant distress to our lower floor neighbours and necessitating extensive and costly clean-up efforts by our contractors and staff.

To prevent the risk of future incidents, we urge all residents to ensure wipes are disposed of in bins rather than flushing them down the toilet. This simple action will greatly contribute to maintaining a pleasant living environment and drive down avoidable sewerage repair recharge costs for all residents. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Beware Slippery Surfaces!

From the BEO
___

Dear Residents,

Due to the considerable change in temperatures, there is a lot of condensation that has formed on the walls, ceilings, glass and floors. This is making the floors & staircases very slippery. We have asked our cleaning staff to concentrate on mopping the floors as best they can.

Unfortunately, we don't have enough hazard signs to put up in every entrance. So, we are advising caution when moving around the Estate. Please note the podium and car parks are also slippery in places that don't usually get wet.

Kind regards

Barbican Estate Office

40c - BEO Reception will close at 2pm today

From the BEO

____

Dear Residents

Due to the Red Weather Alert, we will be closing the reception at 2pm today.

We will not be closing the reception for the lunchtime break today (1-2pm) and will just close at 2pm.

Please find the hot weather warning attached which was circulated last week.

Stay safe and thank you for your understanding in this regard.

Barbican Estate Office

====

Hot Weather Warning

For some people, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, the summer heat can bring real health risks. Temperatures indoors can be higher than temperatures outdoors.

That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.

The top ways for staying safe in the heat are:

• Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment –they generate heat.
• Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
• If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
• During warm weather, going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool-down, take care and follow local safety advice.

Look out for the signs of heat-related harm:

• If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol.
• If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
• Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency.

Further information on heatstroke and heat-related illness are available here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

Asbestos Remedial Works - Ben Jonson

From the BEO:

___

Asbestos Remedial Works - Ben Jonson Lift Lobbies

Asbestos remedial works are required in the following lift lobbies and staircases during the below dates – works are within EDA cupboards and residents will not be able to enter or exit the block via these lift lobbies / staircases while the works are carried out and will need to use an alternative entrance / exit for the block.

• 9 August - Staircase 61 – Landing between Podium and 02 Level
• 10 August - Staircase 62 – Landing between Podium and 02 Level
• 11 August - Staircase 63 – Landing between Podium and 02 Level
• 12 August - Staircase 64 – Main lift lobby at 02 level.

Please note, lifts will not stop on the floor where the works are being carried out on each day, no more than one area will be worked on at the one time to minimise disruption to residents. Works will be carried out between 9am and 4pm.

Eton Environmental will be carrying out the works on behalf of the Barbican Estate.

If you have any questions ahead of these works, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Manager via steven.murray@cityoflondon.gov.uk or 020 7029 3915.

Builders Yard - unnecessarily noisy and wasteful?

The use of the builders yard established beneath Ben Jonson House seems to be bizarrely inefficient, noisy and polluting. Is it possible the the contractor has no incentive to use the most efficient practice, and perhaps even the reverse (e.g. charging for additional vehicles and work)?

I have written to the City to suggest how the negative impact of the project and the builders yard can be reduced.  I'll not hold my breath for any practical response, but one can hope. 

Here is the body of my letter:
___

Regarding the repaving works currently underway around the new Denizen flats on Golden Lane:
http://bjhg-blog.blogspot.com/2021/05/builders-yard-with-us-until-october.html

Since we'll be stuck with this project until October (or later if/when the project slips) I'd like to suggest some better work practices which will:

• Improve efficiency
• Reduce costs
• Reduce environmental impact
• Minimise noise impact on residences

The project is to work around the new Denizen flats, replacing the pavement surface. This involves digging up the existing surface, removing the waste material and installing new paving. The work will start at the junction of Golden Lane and Fann Street, proceeding west along Fann Street and follow the path around the Denizen to eventually end up back at the starting point. When viewed from above the project will move anti-clockwise around the Denizen.

The work will proceed by first clearing a few meters of old paving, preparing that area for new paving and then laying the new paving.

The current method in use as I type:

1. Remove the old paving material and place in a heap on the ground ahead of the current work area
2. From time to time, shovel the waste into a dumper truck
3. The noisy dumper truck shuttles back and forth from the work site to the builders yard area beneath Ben Jonson House
4. … and dumps the waste on the ground
5. From time to time a noisy truck with a grabber visits the builders yard to scrape up the waste back off the ground and into the back of the truck. The grabber truck waits for some time (engine running) while the dumper noisily makes several top-up trips.
6. New material is delivered to the builders yard
7. A noisy forklift shuttles the new material from the builders yard to the work site for installation

Suggested method:

1. Place a skip ahead of the old paving to be cleared
2. Remove the old paving material and place it directly in the skip. The skip will be removed from time to time to be replaced with a new skip a little further along.
3. The materials for the new paving are delivered to an area of pavement (perhaps protected using plywood) behind the current work area.
4. The cleared area is prepared and new materials installed
5. Replace any internal combustion powered site vehicles with electric alternatives.

The current method requires all materials to be moved several times:

• Waste is dug up, dumped on the ground, shovelled into the dumper, noisily shuttled to the builders yard, dumped on the ground again, noisily scraped up again by the grabber and driven away.
• New material is delivered to the builders yard and shuttled up to the current work site using a noisy fork lift vehicle.

The suggested requires far fewer moves:

• Waste is dug up and placed in a skip which is removed from time to time
• New materials are delivered to a point close to where they will be needed
• ... and any site vehicle still needed (if any) could be electric and thus less polluting

The suggested method saves time and effort for the people on the project and would have a significantly reduced impact on the environment from an air pollution and noise pollution perspective.

Since we’ll have to live with this project until October could we at least minimise the environmental impact and pain caused to residents?

Many thanks

Service Cupboard Asbestos Checks

Every year the BEO check the service cupboard of each flat to make sure that the asbestos in there is safely sealed (i.e. painted over).

The schedule for the checks in Ben Jonson House flats:

• 13th May - 201-268
• 14th May - 301-334
• 17th May - 335-368
• 18th May - 501-568
• 19th - 26th May - Communal Areas

The survey working hours will be 09:00 - 17:00 each day.

BEO contacts: Steven Murray (Property Services) or Ella Ashton (House Officer) 

Contractor contacts: R. Mann (Eton Environmental Group) Tel: +44 132 574 4123

Here is the BEO notice:

Click to read the whole notice

 

Beech Street Zero Emission Update

From the BEO:

___

Beech Street Zero Emission
Scheme Update

On the 18 March 2020 the City of London Corporation introduced experimental traffic changes on Beech Street, Bridgewater Street and Golden Lane with the aim of reducing air pollution.

Over the last 10 months, many residents have taken the time to write to the City Corporation about the traffic experiment. Many of the enquiries have been about the problems some residents have experienced around access to their car parks, as well as some deliveries and taxi/private hire vehicles not arriving.

We thank residents for the time they have taken to highlight these issues. While air quality in Beech Street has improved by over 50%, further work is proposed to be undertaken to improve the access to properties and the understanding of the restriction amongst taxi and delivery drivers.

City Corporation officers have met regularly with the Barbican Association, and have prepared a report which details the measures proposed to help improve access and legibility to the car parks and forecourts on Beech Street.

Please find a link to the latest City Corporation Committee report and accompanying documents . This report will be considered by the Streets and Walkways sub-committee for decision on the 18 February.

We thank all residents who have fed back their thoughts on the experiment, you can continue to do so via the Beech Street zero emmissions consultation paper in the link. Feedback for the temporary changes in the City streets can be given here.

The Barbican Volunteer Group - Community Christmas

From the Volunteer Group via the BEO:

___

Barbican Community Christmas 2020
from the Volunteer Group

Hi Everyone,

Our volunteer group is still going strong and responding to requests for help from the community. We noticed recently that some of the practical requests have decreased, and that there's more need for emotional support and connections across the community.

Several of us spoke about organising some low maintenance activities across the Barbican Estate over the Christmas period as a way of strengthening our connections to each other during what may be a very unique winter.

Ideas include:

• Organising socially distanced walks around the estate for those who want some fresh air as part of a small group
• Designated 'talking benches' in the gardens where you can chat with neighbours
• A Barbican Balcony Bell Ring on Christmas Day to spread some cheer, make some music and see each other
• Supporting the Square Mile Food Bank with food for the festive season

If you'd like to be involved as part of a small group to help make it happen, particularly if you have some other ideas to add, let us know on Barbicanvolunteers@gmail.com.

In the meantime, remember that the volunteer network is still thriving and available for anyone who needs it. The helpline number is 07376 068137.

Legionella Water Monitoring

From the BEO:

___

Legionella Water Monitoring


Due to the present heightened restriction being imposed in London, Guardian will revert back to testing all water tanks on a monthly basis, to check temperature and water samples and avoid going into homes if possible.

Please find the schedule below for Guardian's next site visit:

  

Date	Blocks on the Barbican Estate
2 November	Ben Jonson House / Shakespeare Tower / Cromwell Tower / Lauderdale Tower
3 November	Defoe House / Lambert Jones Mews / Seddon House / Thomas More House
4 November	Mountjoy House / 1-2 Wallside / Gilbert House / Frobisher Crescent / Brandon Mews
5 November	Speed House / Andrewes House / Estate Office / The Postern / Willoughby House
6 November	John Trundle Court / Bryer Court / Bunyan Court / Breton House
9 November	Catch up day if Barbican not completed

Those residences which require access due to previous Legionella positive samples being returned, will be contacted directly, so that a planned visit can be made with COVID-19 procedures in place.

Please respond with any details of self-isolation or infections when asked.

Any further questions please contact Steven Murray, the Project Manager, by email or 020 70293915.

Thank you for your cooperation in this regard.

Let the BEO know if you have COVID-19

From the BEO:

___

COVID-19

If you or any member of your family has tested positive for COVID-19, then please ensure you all stay at home, and let the Estate Office know. We also kindly ask you to double bag your rubbish. Please click here for contact details.

Getting Tested

Anyone of any age who has symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested for coronavirus. The test only checks if you have coronavirus at that point, and involves taking a swab of the throat and nose. You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you. Please click here for details.

Good Neighbour Guide - Noise

From the BEO:
____

Good Neighbour Guide - Noise

Do not make noise inside your flat and on balconies that could cause nuisance to your neighbours. This includes making/taking telephone calls on your balcony at unsociable hours.

It is also requested to be considerate when listening to music in the gardens and communal spaces.The Barbican Estate Office in no way wishes to stop the residents enjoying the private gardens facilities with their friends, but these gardens are not suitable for parties. Social distancing should still be observed at all times.

Please also remember that the flats are very close by to the gardens and communal areas and that children should be supervised at all times.

Please click here for the Good Neighbour Guide.

Objective noise measurement - Paris shows the way

The City of London have a Noise Strategy, one which is based on subjective observation such as spot measurement of sound averages.  i.e. pretty much useless when it comes to dealing with real-world noise incidents.

Paris have introduced an objective measure of sound using a device they call The Medusa.  The Paris network of these devices can measure sound levels and source location in real-time.  For example, they can track a noisy motor-cycle as it roars through the city.  Such a system could measure the actual time our "considerate contractors" choose to start their noisy works, or exactly how noisy that street cleaning machine is which trundles around at 07:00 on many days.

The Paris Medusa is described in this BBC video article:

Will the City of London pick up on this idea?  We can hope.

Covid-19 - City Streets

From the BEO:

___

Covid-19 - City Streets

The City Corporation is ramping up its transport recovery plan, designed to ensure the gradual and safe return of people who work, live and visit the Square Mile.

Temporary elbow room

Phase One of the scheme has now been largely completed. This includes providing more space for people walking on Threadneedle Street, Old Broad Street and Cannon Street; and the introduction of timed closures and changes on Coleman Street, Lombard Street and St Mary Axe.

The Policy and Resources Committee (11 June) endorsed Phase Two of the recovery plan offering support for City businesses through the introduction of various transportation and public realm changes. Phase Two will see a further seven kilometres of streets being temporarily changed, including the reallocation of highway to pedestrians and cyclists on Fleet Street and Moorgate, timed closure of Moorfields to motor vehicles and the closure of Chancery Lane to through traffic. These proposals are subject to technical approval from Transport for London.

The initiative will remain adaptable to changing circumstances with the measures able to be scaled up or down as required to ensure the safety of all City workers, residents and visitors set to return in coming weeks in line with Government guidance.

We will shortly be launching an online portal on our webpage for street users to comment on the specific changes. This will be launched once the plans have been implemented onto the streets. In the meantime, for questions and to provide feedback on the Phase 1 plans and Phase 2 proposals, email the City Transportation team.

For up to date information please visit our webpage.

Noisy Work Times

From the BEO:

___

Noisy Work Times

Barbican Contractors: 9am – 5pm
(Works carried out by our contractors (Metwin etc). They will try to not start before 10am but certain works need a full day to complete and may have to start from 9am). Emergency Works may have to take place outside of these hours.

Residents Private Contractors: 10am - 4pm
Alterations in Leaseholders flats. (Please note there is no quiet period) if there are complaints of noisy work starting before 10am or after 4pm please contact the House Officer for your block.

City: 8am – 6pm 

eg road works, gas, electric water repairs & work not controlled by the Barbican Estate Office.

City of London COVID-19 Poster

Here is the poster produced by the City of London regarding COVID-19

Click to see as a PDF

Gardens - Watch your distance!

From the BEO:
___

Use of Barbican Gardens

After an incident last weekend in Thomas More gardens where the City of London Police had to be called we request that you make appropriate use of all Barbican gardens, following the Government directives at all times, especially in the warmer weather we are experiencing.

We are pleased to say that the majority of you have been very supportive and have shown immense community spirit and a desire to support public servants and their local communities during these difficult times.

No one wishes to place any restrictions on anyone that are disproportionate or draconian, we simply wish, with the consent of our communities, to preserve and protect life. Staying in our homes and social distancing as repeatedly appealed for by the Prime Minster and Public Health England to avoid the spread of COVID 19, which for some can be fatal, and to avoid the NHS becoming overwhelmed.

Due to the recent incident we have consulted the Barbican Association and Residents Consultation Chairs and signage has been placed on the entrances to the private gardens.

We believe that we should with reasonable behaviour be able to keep the gardens open for the proper use by you in-line with the attached signage.

We would stress again how fantastic the majority of you across the Estate have been and hope that you will support and communicate the intent behind these notices.

COVID-19 advice from the City of London

City of London Corporation - Advice for Residents
Dear Resident,

If you live in the Square Mile, are self-isolating and require help, please let us know by emailing the COVID-19 mailbox or by calling 020 7606 3030. Please note, you can email us on behalf of someone else (with their consent).

The mailbox is treated with confidentiality.

Please send your or their (if you are sending on someone else’s behalf):

• name
• address
• phone number
• date of birth
• date self-isolation began

and let us know if you or they have any concerns or special requirements.

Please indicate if you are happy for your contact details to be shared with local voluntary and community groups who may be able to support you.

Get Government help if you are vulnerable
If you have received a text/ letter from the NHS that you are in the “extremely vulnerable” group, or if you are vulnerable, please register to receive government support services.

What you should do
The City of London Corporation is dedicated to ensuring that we protect the most vulnerable, support our residents and continue to provide key services during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest Government instruction is to stay at home and:

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
• Stay two metres (six feet) away from other people
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Some non-essential services may need to be closed or operate at reduced levels to support social distancing for staff and service users.

Some people may need extra support at this time, and we are actively encouraging good neighbourliness and support through established local community groups.

Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from the virus. The NHS provides guidance on hand-washing.

More advice
For more detailed advice on the following areas, please visit our dedicated City of London Residents’ Advice Page

• Staying at home, for households with possible COVID-19 infection
• Worried about your income during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Schools and other educational settings
• Libraries in the City
• Help with your health and wellbeing
• If you wish to support COVID-19 relief efforts
• City Advice
• Latest Government Advice
• Potential COVID-19 (Corona virus) related scams

City of London Food Bank

As posted on Barbican Talk:

___

As Many of you will know, Age UK is setting up a Food Bank for the City of London, and the Barbican Estate Office has kindly provided space in the Lilac Room.

This is for all residents in need across the Square Mile.

As with everything these days, We are not certain exactly how this will work. Once we get a better idea of what the demand will be, everything will become clearer. The logistics will also be more complicated due to Covid-19.

We are seeking non perishable items and ‘Back of the store cupboard’ items are welcome. But if you do want to donate your store cupboard items, please check the ‘use by’ date. This is very important, because Age UK can not be responsible for delivering potentially unsafe food. Due to the virus, we want as little handling of all items in order to protect both volunteers and recipients.

The list below is not exhaustive, but details some of the high need items

Food

• Long life milk or Powdered Milk
• Cereal
• Tins of meat, fish, fruit, veg
• Baked beans, soup, spaghetti
• Rice and Pasta
• Spreads like jam, peanut butter, marmite
• Sweet and savoury biscuits
• Tea, coffee, sugar
• Salt
• Long life fruit juice

Toiletries

• Loo Roll
• Soap
• Shower Gel
• Washing up liquid
• Bleach

This important work will still be ongoing despite the lockdown announced this week.

Our initial plan is to arrange two collection points every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 - 11.

In front of Lauderdale Tower, Lauderdale Place for Barbican and non Barbican residents
Outside the Lilac Room, Seddon North Stairs 02, (near the Estate Office) for Barbican Residents and keyholders.

We may change these hours, depending on how well they work

If you would like to financially support this initiative, or Age UK’s wider work in the City of London, you can donate via the Age UK London Just Giving page
:
https://www.justgiving.com/ageuklondon

Please write “This donation is for the City of London” in the message box, on the last screen before payment is taken.

Or if you would like to support us in another way, I am sure we can arrange it.


Rest assured that if this money is not required for the food bank, it will be used by Age UK City of London to further its work supporting residents in the City.

Anyone who would like to Volunteer or feels they may have a food need, please email SquareMileFoodBank@gmail.com

We will start accepting donations on Friday 27 March

Thank you for any support you can give.

Halt all noisy works for now

From the BEO

___

Barbican Estate - Home Improvements and Alterations
Further to our bulletin last week, we are aware of a number of substantial projects that despite our plea, are still continuing and proving to be extremely intrusive to neighbours during this very stressful time.

As of today, all noisy and intrusive Home Improvements and Alterations must cease. We will be contacting the leaseholders of all properties who have submitted a Permission to Commence to us, this week, to ensure they have got this message.

Thank you
The BEO.

BEO Services - reduced for now

From the BEO:

___

Barbican Estate – Further Changes to our Core Services
In light of the instructions we all received yesterday, we have reviewed all the services we deliver and ( or reassessed what is considered critical) if they are considered critical or not.

Window Cleaning

As of 25 March 2020, there will be no window cleaning provision on the estate.


Barbican Estate Reception

Opening Hours have been further reduced to 11am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. Please do not enter if someone is already being looked after. Please consider whether your visit is essential.


Cleaning

We are having to drastically reduce the number of cleaners we have coming into work. We also have to balance the enhanced cleaning needs at the moment.

Rubbish collections are akin to Christmas week at the moment and taking 50% longer than normal.

Rubbish collection will now only be on MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY. Please ensure any cardboard or packaging is collapsed/folded down as much as possible.

Rubbish collection will now take all day

The City of London Fire Safety Advisor has asked that all rubbish be kept within your flats until collection days.

There will be no weekend cleaning or weekend rubbish collection anywhere on the estate.

We will continue to focus our cleaning effort on touch points such as door handles and lift call buttons.  There will be no podium or car park cleaning other than touchpoints and staff welfare facilities.

We will no longer be issuing pink cards for deliveries. Most services send an email or text anyway.


Car Park Concierge and the Lobbies

The 3 tower Lobbies will remain open. This will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Speed Car Park Box will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

As of 26 March, Defoe Car Park Box will be closed for the foreseeable future. Services such as parcel delivery and key holding will be moved to Shakespeare Tower.

As of 26 March, the remaining Car Park Boxes will operate between the hours of 7am and 7pm only:

• Thomas More House
• Breton
• Bunyan
• Andrewes
• Willoughby

Thomas More House and Breton will have a member of staff on duty between 7pm and 7am but they will be covering the remaining 5 boxes as well.

We will no longer be issuing pink cards for deliveries. Most services send an email or text anyway.

We ask you to heed the instructions we issued yesterday.

As the Government directive is to practise social distancing and remain a safe 2 metres from others, we request residents to NOT enter the Car Park boxes when collecting parcels.

If residents could stand outside the box, a safe distance away and wait until the CPA’s have placed your parcel on the table, before coming forward to pick it up.

We also request that residents stand behind the lines in the Tower lobbies (marked on the floors) when addressing Concierge staff.

We are also currently inundated with parcels and deliveries. Our storage is full in many car parks and lobbies. Please collect your items promptly.