Harry73

Thanks for your replies and sorry to hear that you are in the same situation Esra. I’d recommend getting an appointment with the Leasholder Advisory Service so you know where you stand. I spoke to them at the weekend and they were great, however, they weren’t able to offer much hope, other than admitting that the set up is appallingly unfair and unreasonable. The only way to challenge is to pay the year and then ask for a review of the services re value. I think we probably received a Section 20 in the post at some stage but we get 5-6 of these a year about different things and I’ve never been clear about what we are supposed to/can do with them. We don’t remember receiving the second part, that is suppose to lay out the estimates before a decision is made. Re minor/major works - in the past, major works have been charged separately so I don’t think that’s what this is. I’m not sure about minor works. We’ve asked the council for an explanation for the rise but have had no response yet as their reply time is 28 days, and trying to speak to anyone is impossible. Esra, I’ll let you know if we learn anything new!

Hi, Has anyone else just got their service charge 24/25 estimate on the East Dulwich Grove Estate? Ours has risen by 500%. The Council confirmed today that is correct. It’s to do with grounds maintenance which has almost ground to a halt. Nowhere did it say it was raising by that much or explained why. Be interested if people have different figures or thinking of challenging.

Southwark Council has been our freeholder for the past 10 years. First with a flat we bought, and then again when we upsized to a terrace house on the same estate. We had no qualms about going into another leasehold with them. There has been one round of major works on the estate over that period. Again, we didn't have any major issues there, other than a few gripes with the quality of the work which was sorted out satisfactorily. They offered flexible payment terms (eg monthly over 3 years). We pay a monthly service charge which includes things like cleaning the gutters on our property, plus general estate upkeep, lighting etc. We had some roof work undertaken which essentially was rolled into the payments so didn't notice the cost. The general estate upkeep is really important as it also acts as a security service as well as blown lights are replaced really quickly and the estate maintenance and cleaning team know everyone here and keep an eye out for strange things. Of course, this is just our personal experience. Good luck.

Hi, I have found a brand new HSBC bank card in Dulwich Park this morning. DM me if it might be yours. Cheers

Just a gentle reminder as I forgot about restrictions in Pickwick Rd. check before you drive down.

How did you know it was human?

Doesn?t he live in Dulwich or at least did live there

Hi guys, in my never-ending quest to get fit, I have found a local pearl. I know he has been around forever, but Clinton McKenzie Boxing Fitness under DHFC is amazing. No muscle bound body insight, just people like me trying to get fit - interestingly, a lot more women than men. I think he gives the first session for free. It's really nice to find a way to keep fit that isn't a gym but sociable. Also not a chain. If you haven't, give it a go - I'll never hit anyone in a fight, but it is fun learning the sport.

The wifi is terrible but in this case, I have just started to use the home phone after two years as I have set a business up at home. I have just found that they never installed the connection but been charging me ?15 a month for it. Apparently its my fault for not telling them and using it before now, not that the installer said he had installed it, didn't and I've been paying for a service I could never receive. hey ho. I think BT here I come.

Hi guys, I have finally had it with Virgin for a number of reasons. Does anyone have BT in the area and if so, how is it? Appreciate your insight.